German admiral (1891–1980) who commanded the German navy during World War II and tendered Germany’s surrender to the Allies on May 7, 1945. He was later sentenced to ten years’ imprisonment at Nuremberg. Interesting small archive of items from Dönitz to late autograph dealer Jerry Granat, 1975–1978, comprised mainly of four ALSs and two TLSs. Included are:
1) ALS, signed “Dönitz,” in German, one page, 8.25 x 5.75, Aumühle, May 17, 1975. In full, “I thank you for your letter of May 4th. Due to my imprisonment until October 1956 I don’t have any documents. I suggest the following: please read my three books which I have written since 1958. Many of your questions will then be answered.”
(2) ALS, signed “Dönitz” in German, one page, both sides, 8.25 x 5.75, Aumühle, August 16, 1976. Partially translated, “Since Spandau I have written three books: 1) ‘10 Years and 20 Days,’ Lehmanns Publisher, 8 Munich 21; those are the 10 years from 1935 to 1945 and the 20 days to end the war as Head of State…2) ‘My Ever-changing Life,’ is the description of my personal life… 3) ‘German Strategy on the Seas in the 2nd World War. The Grossadmiral’s Answer to 40 Questions.’”
(3) TLS, signed, “Dönitz” in German, one page, 8.25 x 11.75. Aumühle, June 17, 1978. In part, “I was and am of the opinion that I was unjustly convicted in Nuremberg. I have listed the grounds for this, as my reply to the question ‘What do you think of the Nuremberg trials and your conviction?’ in my book called ‘German Strategy on the Seas in the 2nd World War. The Grossadmiral’s Answer to 40 Questions.’…I find the representation in the book “Doenitz at Nuremberg: A Re-Appraisal’ as correct and feel honored by it.” The mentioned book is a collection of over 350 opinions about the trials by prominent world figures, many of them military.
(4) ALS, signed “Dönitz” in German, one page, both sides, 8.25 x 11.5. Aumühle, August 26, 1978. Not translated. Dönitz thanks Granat for his letter of August 6th and tells him that because his health has worsened, he cannot do as he has asked and he is returning his book “Doenitz at Nuremberg…” He recommends and names the three books he has written since 1956.
(5) ALS signed “Dönitz” in German, one page, 8.25 x 5.75. Aumühle, October 5, 1978. In part, “I simply do not understand how your book which you sent me and which was returned to you never reached me. I am sending you today by airmail a Reserve-Copy registered.”
(6) TLS, signed “Dönitz” in German, one page, 8.25 x 5.75. Aumühle, October 24, 1978. In part, “The questions which you asked in your letter I had answered in all of the books which I wrote since 1958. They are the following books: 1.) ‘10 Years and 20 Days,’ Publisher Bernard & Graefe, 8000 Munich, Hubertusstr. 5 / 2.) ‘My Ever-changing Life,’ Musterschmidt-Publisher, 3400 Göttingen, Turmstr. 7, / 3.) ‘German Strategy on the Seas in the 2nd World War, the Grossadmiral’s Answer to 40 Questions,’ Publisher same under 1.) At my advanced age and very busy schedule it is not possible for me to answer these questions in a letter.”
Also included is an address label signed in upper left “Dönitz / 2055 Aumühle,” addressed by him to “Mr. Jerry Granat / 1481 Stevenson Road / Hewlett, New York 11557 / U.S.A.,” postmarked Aumühle, August 28, 1978, along with several of the accompanying mailing envelopes signed “Dönitz” in the return address area.
In very good to fine condition overall, with mild handling wear and some light scattered staining and soiling. RRAuction COA.
