Wilhelm Meisel – Panzerschiff “Admiral Hipper” (Admiral)

Original Postwar Signature on a Postwar Photo of Wilhelm Meisel. Admiral Wilhelm Meisel (4 November 1891 † 7 September 1974) was a career naval officer whose service spanned both World Wars. Rising from midshipman in 1913 to Admiral in the Kriegsmarine, he commanded surface combatants in key operations and was awarded the Knight’s Cross of the Iron Cross for his leadership of the heavy cruiser Admiral Hipper.

Awards and Decorations:

• Knight’s Cross of the Iron Cross – 26 February 1941, as Kapitän zur See and commander of the heavy cruiser “Admiral Hipper”.

• Spanish Cross in Silver (6 June 1939).

Career Highlights:

• Served in World War I aboard SMS Moltke, SMS Stralsund, and the commerce raider SMS Möwe.

• Survived the scuttling of the High Seas Fleet at Scapa Flow and returned from British captivity in 1921.

• During the interwar period, commanded a torpedo boat flotilla, held staff positions, and captained the cruiser Karlsruhe in 1929.

• In World War II, led a destroyer flotilla during the Polish campaign (1939).

• As commander of the heavy cruiser Admiral Hipper, directed operations in the Atlantic, for which he received the Knight’s Cross in 1941.

• Later appointed Chief of Staff of Naval Group West (1943) and subsequently Chief of Naval Staff.

• Promoted to Admiral, one of the senior flag officers of the Kriegsmarine.

Item Details:

• Authentic postwar signature of Admiral Wilhelm Meisel.

• Signed on a postwar photograph. Postcardsize.

• Condition: Excellent preserved example, with clear autograph.