Extremely Rare Postwar Signed Portrait of Friedrich Paulus – Dedicated to General Karl Hollidt (1955)
€750,00
Offered here is an exceptionally scarce postwar signature of Generalfeldmarschall Friedrich Paulus on a private portrait, famously known as the commander of the German 6th Army at Stalingrad. This autograph is not only rare—it is personally dedicated to General Karl Hollidt, one of Paulus’ closest colleagues and a senior Wehrmacht commander who served under Army Group Don during the Stalingrad operations. Such personalized dedications between high-ranking generals are exceedingly uncommon and highly desirable among collectors.
Description
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Original postwar portrait photograph of Friedrich Paulus (high-quality studio print, Dresden).
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Handwritten dedication and signature on the reverse, reading:
„Meinem lieben Hollidt – in alter Freundschaft –
Weihnachten 1955 – Fr. Paulus“
(“To my dear Hollidt – in old friendship – Christmas 1955 – Fr. Paulus”) -
Clearly signed in Paulus’ late-life handwriting.
-
Photo size: approx. 14 × 9 cm.
-
Excellent contrast and presentation; an important historical pairing of two major Eastern Front commanders.
Background: Friedrich Paulus (1890–1957)
Friedrich Paulus remains one of the most historically significant German commanders of the Second World War:
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Commander of the 6th Army during the Battle of Stalingrad.
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Promoted to Generalfeldmarschall on 31 January 1943—just hours before his surrender—becoming the first Feldmarschall in German history to be captured alive.
-
Later became a key witness at the Nuremberg Trials, condemning Hitler’s policies and turning against the Nazi regime.
-
Lived the remainder of his life in the Soviet-occupied zone (Dresden), rarely granting autographs.
Because Paulus signed very few documents after the war—and avoided public attention—authentic postwar signatures are scarce. Personal dedications, especially to fellow Eastern Front generals, are nearly unheard of.
Background: General Karl Hollidt (1891–1985)
Karl Hollidt served as:
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Commander of the XVII Army Corps, later the 6th Army (after Paulus’ surrender).
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One of Paulus’ closest operational colleagues during 1942–43.
-
Postwar held in Soviet captivity until 1955, the same year Paulus wrote this dedication—adding important historical context and emotional weight to the inscription.
Their shared experiences at the Eastern Front and in Soviet captivity make this dedication exceptionally meaningful.
Why This Piece Is Highly Desirable
-
Direct connection between two major German commanders of the Eastern Front.
-
Paulus postwar signatures are rare; dedicated examples to high-ranking officers are virtually never found on the market.
-
A historically important artifact linked to the Battle of Stalingrad, one of the most significant military events of the 20th century.
-
The photo originates from Paulus’ time living in Dresden, shortly before his death in 1957.
A Museum-Level Artifact
This is more than an autograph—it’s a unique historical document representing the personal relationship between two high-ranking figures who shaped the course of the war on the Eastern Front. Items of this caliber are seldom offered and are highly sought after by advanced collectors of WWII autographs, Stalingrad memorabilia, or German military history.
Out of stock
Offered here is an exceptionally scarce postwar signature of Generalfeldmarschall Friedrich Paulus on a private portrait, famously known as the commander of the German 6th Army at Stalingrad. This autograph is not only rare—it is personally dedicated to General Karl Hollidt, one of Paulus’ closest colleagues and a senior Wehrmacht commander who served under Army Group Don during the Stalingrad operations. Such personalized dedications between high-ranking generals are exceedingly uncommon and highly desirable among collectors.
Description
-
Original postwar portrait photograph of Friedrich Paulus (high-quality studio print, Dresden).
-
Handwritten dedication and signature on the reverse, reading:
„Meinem lieben Hollidt – in alter Freundschaft –
Weihnachten 1955 – Fr. Paulus“
(“To my dear Hollidt – in old friendship – Christmas 1955 – Fr. Paulus”) -
Clearly signed in Paulus’ late-life handwriting.
-
Photo size: approx. 14 × 9 cm.
-
Excellent contrast and presentation; an important historical pairing of two major Eastern Front commanders.
Background: Friedrich Paulus (1890–1957)
Friedrich Paulus remains one of the most historically significant German commanders of the Second World War:
-
Commander of the 6th Army during the Battle of Stalingrad.
-
Promoted to Generalfeldmarschall on 31 January 1943—just hours before his surrender—becoming the first Feldmarschall in German history to be captured alive.
-
Later became a key witness at the Nuremberg Trials, condemning Hitler’s policies and turning against the Nazi regime.
-
Lived the remainder of his life in the Soviet-occupied zone (Dresden), rarely granting autographs.
Because Paulus signed very few documents after the war—and avoided public attention—authentic postwar signatures are scarce. Personal dedications, especially to fellow Eastern Front generals, are nearly unheard of.
Background: General Karl Hollidt (1891–1985)
Karl Hollidt served as:
-
Commander of the XVII Army Corps, later the 6th Army (after Paulus’ surrender).
-
One of Paulus’ closest operational colleagues during 1942–43.
-
Postwar held in Soviet captivity until 1955, the same year Paulus wrote this dedication—adding important historical context and emotional weight to the inscription.
Their shared experiences at the Eastern Front and in Soviet captivity make this dedication exceptionally meaningful.
Why This Piece Is Highly Desirable
-
Direct connection between two major German commanders of the Eastern Front.
-
Paulus postwar signatures are rare; dedicated examples to high-ranking officers are virtually never found on the market.
-
A historically important artifact linked to the Battle of Stalingrad, one of the most significant military events of the 20th century.
-
The photo originates from Paulus’ time living in Dresden, shortly before his death in 1957.
A Museum-Level Artifact
This is more than an autograph—it’s a unique historical document representing the personal relationship between two high-ranking figures who shaped the course of the war on the Eastern Front. Items of this caliber are seldom offered and are highly sought after by advanced collectors of WWII autographs, Stalingrad memorabilia, or German military history.
