ALS in German, signed “Sigm Freud,” one page, 5.25 x 3.5, November 7, 1936, personal correspondence postcard. In an untranslated letter to his dear friend, Emil Hammerschlag, Freud extends his congratulations to his Hebrew teacher’s father on his 70th birthday. In fine condition, with a light crease towards the bottom right corner, along the bottom edge. Accompanied by the original mailing envelope, addressed in Freud’s hand.
Freud enjoyed a long relationship with the Hammerschlag family beginning with Emil's father, Samuel, who taught him Jewish religion; the younger Hammerschlag later became his Hebrew teacher. Against the backdrop of a congratulatory birthday letter, the specter of Nazi Germany tightened its grip on Austria. When the Nazis took control of Vienna they raided Jewish homes on Kristallnacht, including one Professor Alfred Adler who was mistaken for Sigmund, but it was not until his beloved daughter Anna (named after the daughter of Emil) was taken to Gestapo headquarters during a 1938 raid on his home and office that he fled Austria. Upon her release, the Freuds escaped the city with the help of their Nazi friend Sauerwald, who signed their exit visas. Father and daughter climbed aboard the Orient Express and eventually settled in London where Freud and Hammerschlag both died. Pre-certified John Reznikoff/PSA/DNA and RR Auction COA.
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