Karl-Adolf Zenker – Kriegsmarine “Z-30” & Inspekteur der Marine (BW) (Admiral)

Original Postwar Signature on a Postwar Photo of Karl-Adolf Zenker. Admiral Karl-Adolf Zenker (19 July 1907, Goslar † 27 October 1998, Bonn) was a German naval officer who served in both the Kriegsmarine during World War II and the Bundesmarine of postwar West Germany, where he rose to the rank of Admiral. He is best remembered as Inspector of the Navy (Inspekteur der Marine), the highest-ranking officer of the Bundesmarine.

Career Highlights:

• Joined the Reichsmarine in 1926 and went on to serve in the Kriegsmarine during the Second World War.

• Served as First Officer on the heavy cruiser Admiral Hipper, gaining extensive operational experience in surface warfare.

• Later became Commander of the destroyer Z-30, participating in Arctic convoys and naval operations in northern waters.

• After the war, held in Allied captivity before returning to civilian life.

• Entered the newly founded Bundesmarine in 1956, rising through the ranks in senior staff and command roles.

• From 1961 to 1967, served as Inspector of the Navy (Inspekteur der Marine), shaping the Bundesmarine during its formative Cold War years.

• Promoted to Admiral, retiring in 1967 after four decades of service across both eras of German naval history.

Item Details:

• Authentic postwar signature of Admiral Karl-Adolf Zenker.

• Signed on a postwar photograph. Larger than Postcard.

• Condition: Clear and well-preserved autograph.