Description:

Albert Speer
Heidelberg, West Germany, July 2, 1981
Albert Speer TLS 2x Mentioning Rudolf Hess & Efforts to Secure His Release
TLS

A 1p typed letter in German signed by convicted Nazi war criminal Albert Speer (1905-1981) as "Albert Speer" near the bottom. July 2, 1981. Heidelberg, West Germany. Typed on watermarked bifold custom stationery featuring Speer's name, Heidelberg address, and telephone contact information. The inner pages and outer leaf are blank. Expected flattened transmittal folds, and a segment of tape just touching the bottom edge of the first page. Else near fine. 5.875" x 8.25." With a full English translation. Accompanied by its original transmittal envelope and vintage photograph to be elaborated below.

The lot includes:

1. A letter sent from Rudolf Hess to one Lee B. Baker of Augsburg. In it, Speer refers twice to fellow convicted Nazi leader Rudolf Hess (1894-1987), still incarcerated at Spandau Prison and serving out a life sentence. The translation of Speer's letter was provided by German linguist and U.S. Army Sergeant Robert Coan. In part:

"As you probably know, Mr. Hess was not allowed to receive the letters you sent because he may only receive letters from his closest relatives - this was the same for me at that time -

Perhaps you'll have the opportunity in the near future to see an American television program about Hess, in which I also took part pushing strongly for his release, without of course allowing myself illusions about its success…"

Speer was a close friend of Adolf Hitler's who had served in many different capacities during World War II. Most notoriously, he had served as Minister of Armaments and War Production between 1942-1945, during which time he used slave labor to fulfill Nazi quotas. He was convicted of war crimes and crimes against humanity. Hess, on the other hand, had had a much more powerful leadership role during the build-up of the Third Reich. From 1933 until his 1941 flight to Scotland, Hess had served as Hitler's Deputy Führer. In this way, Hess had signed off on legislation severely restricting and abusing Jews' civil rights in pre-WWII Germany.

Both Speer and Hess had been convicted at the 1946 Nuremberg Trials, and both served a prison sentence at Spandau Prison. But whereas Hess was released in 1966, Hess was still in prison in 1981; indeed, Hess would die at the prison of suicide in 1987 at the age of 93. Some had lobbied for Hess's early release in light of his deteriorating mental state.

2. The letter is accompanied by its original transmittal envelope printed "A.S. Schloss-Wolfsbrunnenweg 50 / 6900 Heidelberg 1" on the return address flap verso. Bearing two cancelled stamps and postmarked from Heidelberg. Neatly letter-opened at top, and with tape traces, measuring 6.375" x 4.5."

3. The letter also comes with a vintage black and white photograph showing an elderly white-haired Speer at right seated with an unidentified gentleman. Inscribed verso in part as: "To my friend / Lee B. Baker / with best wishes / Jack Foefeuther (?)." Expected wear including minor wrinkles and pen impressions from verso. Else good. 4.625" x 3.875."

This item comes with a Certificate from John Reznikoff, a premier authenticator for both major 3rd party authentication services, PSA and JSA (James Spence Authentications), as well as numerous auction houses.

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  • Dimensions: 5.875" x 8.25"
  • Medium: TLS

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