Reinhard Hardegen – Commander of U-123 (Eichenlaub) (Wartime Signed!)
€250,00
Reinhard Hardegen (18 March 1913 – 9 June 2018) was a decorated German U-boat commander during the Second World War. As commander of U-123, he became the 24th-most-successful German submarine commander of the war, credited with sinking 22 ships totaling 115,656 GRT. Hardegen was a leading figure during Operation Paukenschlag (Drumbeat), the early 1942 U-boat offensive along the U.S. East Coast.
After the war, he spent time as a British prisoner-of-war before returning to civilian life, where he founded a successful oil trading company and later served for over three decades as a member of Bremen’s city council (Bürgerschaft).
Awards and Decorations
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Knight’s Cross of the Iron Cross (Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes) – 23 January 1942, as Kapitänleutnant and Kommandant of U-123.
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Oak Leaves (Eichenlaub) – 23 April 1942, as Kapitänleutnant and Kommandant of U-123.
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U-boat War Badge with Diamonds (U-Boots-Kriegsabzeichen mit Brillanten).
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Iron Cross (1939) 1st and 2nd Class and Front Clasp in Bronze.
Item Details
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Original wartime signature of Korvettenkapitän Reinhard Hardegen.
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Signed on a wartime postcard featuring his portrait.
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Provenance: From the large personal collection of HJ boy Ernst Fritzsche, who collected wartime autographs and correspondence during the period.
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Condition: Very good; postcard shows minor age-related wear, with a crisp and clear signature.
Collector’s Note
Reinhard Hardegen was among the Kriegsmarine’s most renowned U-boat commanders and one of the few to live into the 21st century. His wartime signature on an original postcard is scarce and highly collectible, particularly with known period provenance.
Out of stock
Reinhard Hardegen (18 March 1913 – 9 June 2018) was a decorated German U-boat commander during the Second World War. As commander of U-123, he became the 24th-most-successful German submarine commander of the war, credited with sinking 22 ships totaling 115,656 GRT. Hardegen was a leading figure during Operation Paukenschlag (Drumbeat), the early 1942 U-boat offensive along the U.S. East Coast.
After the war, he spent time as a British prisoner-of-war before returning to civilian life, where he founded a successful oil trading company and later served for over three decades as a member of Bremen’s city council (Bürgerschaft).
Awards and Decorations
-
Knight’s Cross of the Iron Cross (Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes) – 23 January 1942, as Kapitänleutnant and Kommandant of U-123.
-
Oak Leaves (Eichenlaub) – 23 April 1942, as Kapitänleutnant and Kommandant of U-123.
-
U-boat War Badge with Diamonds (U-Boots-Kriegsabzeichen mit Brillanten).
-
Iron Cross (1939) 1st and 2nd Class and Front Clasp in Bronze.
Item Details
-
Original wartime signature of Korvettenkapitän Reinhard Hardegen.
-
Signed on a wartime postcard featuring his portrait.
-
Provenance: From the large personal collection of HJ boy Ernst Fritzsche, who collected wartime autographs and correspondence during the period.
-
Condition: Very good; postcard shows minor age-related wear, with a crisp and clear signature.
Collector’s Note
Reinhard Hardegen was among the Kriegsmarine’s most renowned U-boat commanders and one of the few to live into the 21st century. His wartime signature on an original postcard is scarce and highly collectible, particularly with known period provenance.
