Original Postwar Signature on a Postwar Photo of Werner Ebeling. Oberst Werner Ebeling (11 November 1907 † 16 December 2001) was a German Army officer who rose to the rank of Oberst during the Second World War. A highly decorated front-line commander of the 58. Infanterie-Division, he received the Knight’s Cross of the Iron Cross with Oak Leaves for his leadership in some of the fiercest battles on the Eastern Front.

Awards and Decorations:

• German Cross in Gold (Deutsches Kreuz in Gold) – 11 March 1943, as Oberleutnant with Grenadier-Regiment 220.

• Knight’s Cross of the Iron Cross (Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes) – 9 April 1944, as Major and Kommandeur of II./Grenadier-Regiment 220, 58. Infanterie-Division.

• Oak Leaves to the Knight’s Cross (Ritterkreuz mit Eichenlaub, 799th award) – 5 March 1945, as Oberstleutnant and Kommandeur of Grenadier-Regiment 154, 58. Infanterie-Division.

Career Highlights:

• Served throughout the war in infantry leadership roles, primarily with the 58. Infanterie-Division.

• Earned the German Cross in Gold in 1943 for his distinguished service in combat as a company-grade officer.

• Awarded the Knight’s Cross in April 1944 for outstanding leadership of his battalion during hard-fought engagements on the Eastern Front.

• Received the Oak Leaves in March 1945 as a regimental commander, recognized for his division’s stubborn resistance during the late-war battles against overwhelming Soviet forces.

• Survived the war and lived until 2001, reaching the age of 94.

Item Details:

• Authentic postwar signature of Oberst Werner Ebeling.

• Signed on a postwar photograph.

• Condition: Excellent, with a clear and bold autograph.

Collector’s Note:
Ebeling’s combination of the German Cross in Gold, Knight’s Cross, and Oak Leaves makes his autograph especially attractive for Eastern Front collectors. His long career within the 58. Infanterie-Division gives his grouping of awards and service a strong cohesion and significance.

Original Postwar Signature on a Postwar Photo of Siegfried Westphal. General der Kavallerie Siegfried Westphal (18 March 1902, Leipzig † 2 July 1982, Celle) was a German Army officer who rose to the rank of General der Kavallerie during the Second World War. A highly respected staff officer, he served as Chief of Staff to some of Germany’s most famous field commanders, including Erwin Rommel and Albert Kesselring, and later became Chief of Staff of OB West under Field Marshal Gerd von Rundstedt.

Awards and Decorations:

• German Cross in Gold (Deutsches Kreuz in Gold) – 29 November 1942, as Oberst i.G. in the General Staff of Panzergruppe Afrika.

• Knight’s Cross of the Iron Cross (Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes) – 18 May 1943, as Oberst i.G. and Chief of Staff of Panzerarmee Afrika.

Career Highlights:

• Began his career in the cavalry during the Reichswehr years, later transferring to the General Staff.

• In North Africa, served as Chief of Staff to Rommel, where his organizational skill and clarity of thought proved indispensable in managing Panzerarmee Afrika.

• Decorated with the German Cross in Gold and later the Knight’s Cross for his service in the African campaign.

• After the collapse of Axis forces in Africa, he was reassigned to Italy and later to France.

• Served as Chief of Staff to OB West during the Normandy campaign of 1944, working under Rundstedt during the Allied landings and subsequent battles in France.

• Captured in 1945 and later released from captivity.

• In postwar years, he became a respected military historian, publishing memoirs and works on the war, and later served as a NATO adviser.

• Died in 1982 in Celle.

Item Details:

• Authentic postwar signature of General der Kavallerie Siegfried Westphal.

• Signed on a postwar photograph.

• Condition: Clear and well-preserved autograph.

Collector’s Note:
Westphal’s combination of frontline General Staff roles — serving directly under Rommel, Kesselring, and Rundstedt — makes him one of the most historically significant German staff officers of the war. His awards, his presence at many of the key campaigns of WWII, and his postwar prominence as an author and NATO figure make his signed material highly desirable.

Original Postwar Signature on a Postwar Photo of Hermann Niehoff. General der Infanterie Hermann Niehoff (3 April 1897, Papenburg † 5 November 1980, Riegsee) was a career officer of the German Army who rose to the rank of General der Infanterie during the Second World War. He distinguished himself as a regimental and divisional commander on the Eastern Front, earning the Knight’s Cross with Oak Leaves. In the final days of the war, he became the last commander of the German fortress of Breslau.

Awards and Decorations:

• Ehrenblattspange des Heeres und Waffen-SS – 29 September 1941, as Oberstleutnant and Kommandeur of Infanterie-Regiment 464, 253. Infanterie-Division. (366th award)

• German Cross in Gold (Deutsches Kreuz in Gold) – 6 January 1942, as Oberstleutnant and Kommandeur of Infanterie-Regiment 464, 253. Infanterie-Division. (Award 46/11)

• Knight’s Cross of the Iron Cross (Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes, 3143rd award) – 15 June 1944, as Generalleutnant and Kommandeur of the 371. Infanterie-Division.

  Awarded for his Division’s successful withdrawal actions and subsequent defense along the Bug river in March 1944, where Niehoff’s personal energy and determination were crucial to preventing a Soviet breakthrough.

• Wehrmachtbericht Mention – 11 August 1944, as Generalleutnant and Kommandeur of 371. Infanterie-Division, noted for the Division’s performance on the Eastern Front.

• Oak Leaves to the Knight’s Cross (Ritterkreuz mit Eichenlaub, 808th award) – 5 March 1945, as Generalleutnant and Kommandeur of the 371. Infanterie-Division, 17. Armee, Heeresgruppe Mitte.

  In February 1945, Niehoff’s division repelled a major Soviet offensive near Ratibor, fighting tenaciously to hold open Reichsstraße 118 despite repeated assaults, some of which were fought off in close combat. His determined leadership earned him the Oak Leaves.

Career Highlights:

• World War I veteran who rejoined the Reichswehr and steadily advanced during the interwar years.

• On the Eastern Front, led Infanterie-Regiment 464 and later the 371. Infanterie-Division in some of the hardest fighting of the war.

• Decorated with the Knight’s Cross and Oak Leaves for outstanding leadership during defensive battles in 1944–45.

• In April 1945, appointed Kommandant of Breslau, one of the Reich’s last fortress cities, where he commanded until surrendering the city to the Red Army on 6 May 1945.

• Survived Soviet captivity and was released in 1955. He lived in Bavaria until his death in 1980.

Item Details:

• Authentic postwar signature of General der Infanterie Hermann Niehoff.

• Signed on a postwar photograph.

• Condition: Clear and well-preserved autograph.

Collector’s Note:
Niehoff’s significance lies both in his Knight’s Cross with Oak Leaves for frontline command and his role as the last Fortress Commander of Breslau, one of the most famous German Festungen of WWII. His autograph is highly sought after by collectors of high-ranking Heer generals, Eastern Front commanders, and those focusing on the final battles of 1945.

Original Postwar Signature on a Postwar Photo of Günther Blumentritt. General der Infanterie Günther Blumentritt (10 February 1892 † 12 October 1967) was a career officer who rose to the rank of General der Infanterie in the Wehrmacht. Highly regarded as a staff officer and strategist, he played a major role in the planning and execution of Germany’s campaigns in Poland, France, and later the defense of Western Europe.

Awards and Decorations:

• Knight’s Cross of the Iron Cross (Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes) – 13 September 1944, as General der Infanterie and Chef des Generalstabes of Heeresgruppe D.

• Oak Leaves to the Knight’s Cross (Eichenlaub zum Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes, 772nd award) – 18 February 1945, as General der Infanterie and Führer of the 25. Armee.

Career Highlights:

• Served in the First World War and remained in the Reichswehr during the interwar years.

• As a staff officer, Blumentritt was heavily involved in operational planning. He was instrumental in devising the 1939 invasion of Poland and the 1940 campaign in France.

• Took part in Operation Barbarossa, the invasion of the Soviet Union, in 1941.

• Later, as Chief of Staff of Heeresgruppe D, he bore significant responsibility for the planning and organization of the Atlantic Wall and the defense of Normandy.

• In early 1945, given command of the 25. Armee, for which he was awarded the Oak Leaves to the Knight’s Cross.

• After the war, he was held in captivity, later released, and lived in West Germany until his death in 1967.

Item Details:

• Authentic postwar signature of General der Infanterie Günther Blumentritt.

• Signed on a postwar photograph.

• Condition: Good, with clear and well-preserved autograph.

Collector’s Note:
Blumentritt is especially collectible due to his dual reputation as both a Knight’s Cross with Oak Leaves holder and one of the Wehrmacht’s key strategic planners. His role in the invasions of Poland and France, as well as in preparing the Atlantic Wall defenses, makes his signed material particularly desirable for collectors focused on the high command of the Western Front.

Original Postwar Signature on a Postwar Photo of Max Lemke. Generalmajor Max Lemke (7 April 1895, Schwedt † 29 May 1985, Hannover) was a German officer who rose to the rank of Generalmajor during the Second World War. He was decorated with both the German Cross in Gold and the Knight’s Cross of the Iron Cross for his leadership of reconnaissance and armored formations, and he later became the final commander of the elite Fallschirm-Panzer-Division 1 “Hermann Göring.”

Awards and Decorations:

• Knight’s Cross of the Iron Cross (Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes) – 18 October 1941, as Oberst and Kommandeur of Aufklärungs-Abteilung 17, 17. Infanterie-Division.

• German Cross in Gold (Deutsches Kreuz in Gold) – 23 June 1942.

Career Highlights:

• A veteran officer of the First World War who continued service in the Reichswehr and Wehrmacht.

• As commander of Aufklärungs-Abteilung 17 in the 17. Infanterie-Division, he was awarded the Knight’s Cross in October 1941 for his successful leadership in the early phases of the war in the East.

• Earned the German Cross in Gold in 1942 for further distinction in combat.

• Rose to command positions within elite formations, becoming the last commander of the Fallschirm-Panzer-Division 1 “Hermann Göring” in the final days of the war.

• Taken prisoner on 12 May 1945, released a little over a month later on 18 June 1945.

• After the war, remained active in the Ordensgemeinschaft der Ritterkreuzträger (Association of Knight’s Cross Recipients).

Item Details:

• Authentic postwar signature of Generalmajor Max Lemke.

• Signed on a postwar photograph.

• Condition: Clear and well-preserved autograph.

Collector’s Note:
Lemke’s combination of the German Cross in Gold, Knight’s Cross, and final command of the “Hermann Göring” Division make his autograph a highly desirable piece for collectors of Wehrmacht leadership and elite unit commanders.

Original Postwar Signature on a Postwar Photo of Hubertus-Maria Ritter von Heigl. Generalmajor Hubertus-Maria Ritter von Heigl (10 November 1897, Siegenburg † 24 January 1985, München) was a German officer of the Heer who rose to the rank of Generalmajor during the Second World War. A career pioneer officer, he was decorated with the Knight’s Cross of the Iron Cross for his leadership of Pionier-Bataillon 70 during the early stages of the war in the East.

Awards and Decorations:

• Knight’s Cross of the Iron Cross (Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes) – 13 January 1942, as Oberstleutnant and Kommandeur of Pionier-Bataillon 70.

Career Highlights:

• World War I veteran who continued his career through the Reichswehr and into the Wehrmacht.

• Specialized in combat engineering and pioneer operations, serving as commander of Pionier-Bataillon 70.

• Awarded the Knight’s Cross in early 1942 for his successful leadership of assault and engineering operations on the Eastern Front.

• Later promoted to Generalmajor, continuing to serve in command and staff functions until the end of the war.

• Survived captivity and lived in Munich until his death in 1985.

Item Details:

• Authentic postwar signature of Generalmajor Hubertus-Maria Ritter von Heigl.

• Signed on a postwar photograph.

• Condition: Clear, bold autograph.

Collector’s Note:
Ritter von Heigl is among the distinguished pioneer commanders recognized with the Knight’s Cross. His signature is a fine addition for collectors focusing on decorated officers of the Wehrmacht’s specialized branches, particularly combat engineers (Pioniere).

Original Postwar Signature on a Postwar Photo of Maximilian Heinrich “Max” Sachsenheimer. Generalmajor Max Sachsenheimer (5 December 1909, Mühlbach † 2 June 1973, Merzhausen) was a German officer of the Heer who rose to the rank of Generalmajor in the final year of the Second World War. He was one of the rare recipients of the Knight’s Cross of the Iron Cross with Oak Leaves and Swords, recognized for his determined leadership and bravery on the Eastern Front.

Awards and Decorations:

• Knight’s Cross of the Iron Cross (Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes, 954th award) – 5 April 1942, as Hauptmann and Kommandeur II./Jäger-Regiment 75, 5. leichte Infanterie-Division.

  Awarded for leading the assault on Point 31 near Jaswy (28 March 1942), securing the Staraya-Russa road, a vital prerequisite for German operations in this sector.

• German Cross in Gold (Deutsches Kreuz in Gold, award 287/51) – 3 February 1943, as Major and Kommandeur II./Jäger-Regiment 75, 5. Jäger-Division.

• Oak Leaves to the Knight’s Cross (Ritterkreuz mit Eichenlaub, 472nd award) – 14 May 1944, as Major and Führer Jäger-Regiment 75, 5. Jäger-Division.

  Recognized for his regiment’s distinguished actions in the relief of Kovel (March–April 1944), capturing Zyrcze, Piaseczno, and St. Myzowa while repelling repeated Soviet counterattacks.

• Swords to the Knight’s Cross with Oak Leaves (Ritterkreuz mit Eichenlaub und Schwertern) – 6 February 1945, as Generalmajor and Kommandeur 17. Infanterie-Division, 9. Armee, Heeresgruppe A.

  Awarded for his division’s stand during the Soviet January 1945 offensive from the Pulawy bridgehead, where his forces destroyed over 100 enemy tanks, and for the counterattack at Dyhernfurth (5 February 1945), where his troops recaptured a critical poison gas factory to prevent it from falling into Soviet hands.

Career Highlights:

• Began his career in the Reichswehr, serving as a young officer in the 1930s.

• Gained distinction early in the war as a company and battalion commander in the 5. Infanterie-Division.

• Repeatedly recognized for bold leadership and front-line presence, especially in the East.

• Commanded the 17. Infanterie-Division in the final battles of 1945, fighting in Poland and Silesia.

• Rose to the rank of Generalmajor before the war’s end.

Item Details:

• Authentic postwar signature of Generalmajor Max Sachsenheimer.

• Signed on a postwar photograph.

• Condition: Excellent, with a sharp and well-preserved autograph.

Collector’s Note:
Sachsenheimer stands out as a Swords recipient, one of the most exclusive decorations of the Wehrmacht. His leadership at Kovel and Dyhernfurth, as well as his rare combination of Knight’s Cross, Oak Leaves, and Swords, make his signature highly sought after among collectors of decorated Eastern Front commanders.

Original Postwar Signature on a Postwar Photo of Walter Warlimont. General der Artillerie Walter Warlimont (3 October 1894, Osnabrück † 9 October 1976, Kreuth am Tegernsee) was a German General der Artillerie and one of the most prominent military strategists in the Oberkommando der Wehrmacht (OKW) during World War II. Commissioned in 1914, he fought in the First World War before serving in several influential staff roles in the interwar years.

He studied U.S. mobilization methods and became Chief of the Industrial Mobilization Section in Germany. During the Spanish Civil War, Warlimont coordinated German aid to Franco and, by 1937, authored a memorandum that influenced Hitler’s creation of the OKW.

In WWII he quickly rose in rank, becoming Deputy Chief of the Armed Forces Operations Staff under General Alfred Jodl. He helped plan the invasions of Poland, France, and Russia, and was involved in strategic oversight throughout the war. On 20 July 1944, he was severely wounded in the assassination attempt against Hitler at the Wolf’s Lair.

Awards and Decorations:

• Verwundetenabzeichen 20. Juli 1944 in Schwarz – Wounded in the assassination attempt on Hitler, 20 July 1944 (presented 2 September 1944).

• Ritterkreuz des Kriegsverdienstkreuzes mit Schwertern – 1 February 1945, as General der Artillerie and Chief of the Wehrmachtführungsstabes, OKW.

Postwar:
In 1948, Warlimont was tried in the High Command Trial at Nuremberg for war crimes and sentenced to life imprisonment, though he was released in 1954. He later authored the book Inside Hitler’s Headquarters 1939–1945 and lived quietly in Bavaria until his death in 1976.

Item Details:

• Authentic postwar signature of General der Artillerie Walter Warlimont.

• Signed on a postwar photograph.

• Condition: Very good, with a clear and strong autograph.

Collector’s Note:
Warlimont’s role as Deputy Chief of the OKW Operations Staff makes him one of the key figures of the German high command during WWII. His direct connection to the 20 July 1944 bomb plot and subsequent decorations further elevate the historic significance of his autograph.

Original Postwar Signature on a Postwar Photo of Friedrich Kittel. Generalmajor Friedrich Kittel (19 January 1896, Weida † 11 March 1973, Bad Mergentheim) was a German officer who rose to the rank of Generalmajor during the Second World War. He earned both the German Cross in Gold and the Knight’s Cross of the Iron Cross for his leadership of infantry and Volksgrenadier formations in the bitter fighting on the Eastern and Western Fronts.

Awards and Decorations:

• German Cross in Gold (Deutsches Kreuz in Gold) – 1 April 1942, as Oberst and Kommandeur of Infanterie-Regiment 468, 268. Infanterie-Division.

• Knight’s Cross of the Iron Cross (Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes) – 9 January 1945, as Generalmajor and Kommandeur of 62. Volksgrenadier-Division.

Career Highlights:

• First World War veteran who stayed in the Reichswehr and rose through the ranks in the interwar years.

• Distinguished as commander of Infanterie-Regiment 468 in the 268. Infanterie-Division, earning the German Cross in Gold for his regiment’s performance during heavy combat on the Eastern Front in 1942.

• Delegated with the leadership of the 272. Volksgrenadier-Division (17 September 1944 – 23 September 1944).

• Hospitalized following an accident (23 September – 1 November 1944).

• Commander of the 62. Volksgrenadier-Division (1 November 1944 – 1 February 1945). Awarded the Knight’s Cross in January 1945 for his handling of the division during the desperate late-war fighting.

• Captured in 1945, later released from captivity. Lived in West Germany until his death in 1973.

Item Details:

• Authentic postwar signature of Generalmajor Friedrich Kittel.

• Signed on a postwar photograph.

• Condition: Clear, well-preserved autograph.

Collector’s Note:
Kittel’s short but important divisional commands in the chaotic final months of the war, combined with his dual decorations of German Cross in Gold and Knight’s Cross, make his autograph a significant addition to any advanced Heer collection. His brief leadership of the 272. Volksgrenadier-Division and subsequent command of the 62. Volksgrenadier-Division illustrate the turbulent reality of the Wehrmacht’s final campaigns.

Original Postwar Signature on a Postwar Photo of Franz Griesbach. Generalmajor Franz Griesbach (21 December 1892 † 24 September 1984) was a German officer of the Heer who rose to the rank of Generalmajor during the Second World War. A highly decorated front-line commander, he was awarded the Knight’s Cross of the Iron Cross with Oak Leaves and Swords for his leadership of infantry regiments in the bitter fighting on the Eastern Front.

Awards and Decorations:

• Knight’s Cross of the Iron Cross (Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes) – 14 March 1942, as Major and Kommandeur of I./Infanterie-Regiment 391, 170. Infanterie-Division.

• Oak Leaves to the Knight’s Cross (Ritterkreuz mit Eichenlaub, 252nd award) – 17 May 1943, as Oberst and Kommandeur of Grenadier-Regiment 399, 170. Infanterie-Division.

• Swords to the Knight’s Cross (Ritterkreuz mit Eichenlaub und Schwertern, 65th award) – 6 March 1944, as Oberst and Kommandeur of Grenadier-Regiment 399, 170. Infanterie-Division.

Career Highlights:

• World War I veteran who continued his career in the interwar Reichswehr and later the Wehrmacht.

• Distinguished himself early on the Eastern Front, earning the Knight’s Cross in 1942 for his leadership of I./Infanterie-Regiment 391.

• As commander of Grenadier-Regiment 399, he led his men through some of the hardest battles of 1943–44, earning both the Oak Leaves and later the Swords to the Knight’s Cross.

• Promoted to Generalmajor, one of the few officers of his rank to be awarded the Knight’s Cross with Oak Leaves and Swords.

• Survived the war, captivity, and lived until 1984.

Item Details:

• Authentic postwar signature of Generalmajor Franz Griesbach.

• Signed on a postwar photograph.

• Condition: Clear and well-preserved autograph.

Collector’s Note:
Griesbach’s decorations mark him as one of the rare recipients of the Knight’s Cross with Oak Leaves and Swords, awarded only 159 times during the war. His leadership of regiments in the 170. Infanterie-Division on the Eastern Front makes this signature especially desirable for collectors of high-ranking and highly decorated Heer officers.

Original Postwar Signature on a Postwar Photo of Gerhard Matzky. Generalleutnant Gerhard Matzky (19 March 1894, Küstrin † 9 June 1983, Bad Godesberg) was a career officer who rose to the rank of Generalleutnant in the Wehrmacht during the Second World War. He earned the Knight’s Cross of the Iron Cross in 1944 for his leadership of the 21. Infanterie-Division on the Eastern Front.

Awards and Decorations:

• Knight’s Cross of the Iron Cross (Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes) – 5 April 1944, as Generalleutnant and Kommandeur of 21. Infanterie-Division.

Career Highlights:

• Served as a young officer in World War I and remained in the Reichswehr during the interwar years.

• Rose through the ranks of the Wehrmacht, holding various command positions.

• As commander of the 21. Infanterie-Division, he distinguished himself in defensive battles on the Eastern Front, earning the Knight’s Cross.

• After the war, he was taken prisoner and later released, continuing to live in West Germany.

• In 1956, joined the Bundeswehr, serving until his retirement, making him one of the senior Wehrmacht generals who also played a role in rebuilding Germany’s postwar armed forces.

Item Details:

• Authentic postwar signature of Generalleutnant Gerhard Matzky.

• Signed on a postwar photograph.

• Condition: Clear and well-preserved autograph.

Collector’s Note:
Matzky’s dual career as a Knight’s Cross holder and later a Bundeswehr general makes his autograph particularly interesting. His leadership of the 21. Infanterie-Division on the Eastern Front and his later contribution to the rebuilding of Germany’s military provide collectors with a valuable link between the Wehrmacht and postwar Bundeswehr.

Original Postwar Signature on a Piece of Paper added to a Postwar Photo of Heinz Joachim Werner-Ehrenfeucht. Generalmajor Heinz Joachim Werner-Ehrenfeucht (27 September 1894, Sorau † 13 February 1978, Bonn; buried Waldfriedhof Dahlem was a German officer who rose to the rank of Generalmajor in the Wehrmacht during the Second World War. His long military career began before the First World War and spanned through the Freikorps era, the Reichswehr, and finally the Panzerwaffe in the Wehrmacht.

Career Highlights:

• Entered military service in 1913 with Infanterie-Regiment 25 and served as a junior officer during the First World War, later joining the General Staff of the Army in 1917.

• After the war, participated in the Freikorps campaigns in the Baltics and with Jäger- and Gebirgsjäger-units before transferring to cavalry regiments in the Reichswehr.

• Interwar service included postings to the Heeres Sportschule, the Kavallerieschule, and commands within Reiter-Regimenter before transitioning to the early Panzertruppe in the mid-1930s.

• Commanded Panzerjäger-Abteilung 32 and later served as instructor at the Panzertruppenschule Berlin.

• In the Second World War, held successive commands: II./Panzer-Regiment 25, Panzer-Regiment 201, and later leadership duties with Panzer-Brigade 100 and as deputy commander of the 23. Panzer-Division.

• On 2 November 1943, formally appointed Kommandeur of the 23. Panzer-Division, a position he held into 1944 during critical battles on the Eastern Front.

• Promoted to Generalmajor on 1 December 1944.

• Placed in the Führerreserve in April 1945 and taken prisoner at the end of the war.

• Released in 1947, he lived in Bonn until his death in 1978.

Item Details:

• Authentic postwar signature of Generalmajor Heinz Joachim Werner-Ehrenfeucht.

• Condition: Clear and well-preserved autograph.

Collector’s Note:
Werner-Ehrenfeucht’s career reflects the evolution of the German officer corps — from the Imperial Army, through the Reichswehr cavalry, and finally into the Panzerwaffe. His command of the 23. Panzer-Division during the hard fighting on the Eastern Front, combined with his eventual promotion to Generalmajor, makes his signature especially appealing for collectors of Panzer and Heer generals.

Original Postwar Signature on a Postwar Photo of Hans Windeck. Generalleutnant Hans Windeck (31 January 1888, Berlin † 19 June 1979, Herford) was a German officer whose career spanned the Imperial Army, the Reichswehr, the Schutzpolizei, and the Wehrmacht, rising to the rank of Generalleutnant during the Second World War.

Military Career Highlights:

• Entered the Prussian Army in 1903 as a Leutnant in Infanterie-Regiment Nr. 30.

• Served with distinction in the First World War, where he was wounded and later decorated with the Ritterkreuz des Königlichen Hausordens von Hohenzollern mit Schwertern (1918).

• After the war, served in the Freikorps before joining the Schutzpolizei in 1920. Held key police leadership roles in Cottbus, Rheydt, Dortmund, and Brandenburg.

• Transferred to the Wehrmacht in 1935 as an Oberstleutnant. Commanded Infanterie-Regiment 58 in Herford and later held divisional commands.

• Promoted to Generalleutnant in March 1942.

World War II Commands:

• Commander of Division z.b.V. 402 (1940).

• Commander of the 152. Division (from June 1940).

• Later appointed commander of Division z.b.V. 540 in Brünn (March 1944), serving as Wehrmachtbefehlshaber in Mähren.

• In March 1945, became General z.b.V. in Prague, where he directed the retreat of German troops and civilians toward Pilsen at the war’s end.

Postwar Life:

• Held in American captivity until June 1947.

• After release, worked as a businessman and trade representative.

• Co-founder and long-serving chairman of the Verband deutscher Soldaten (VdS) in Herford.

• Active in local politics as a city council member for the FDP.

Item Details:

• Authentic postwar signature of Generalleutnant Hans Windeck.

• Signed on a postwar photograph.

• Condition: Very good.

Collector’s Note:
Windeck represents the continuity of German officer tradition from the Kaiserreich through the Second World War, bridging service in the army, police, and later the Wehrmacht. His role in Prague during the chaotic end of the war gives his signature special historical significance.