A.Hitler's Directive No 1 - Conduct of War

Hi,

I just joined today - was hoping if anyone could help with pointing me in the direction of being able to see an historian? I know this might sound crazy, but I think I have inherited 'Adolf Hitler's Directive No 1 - Conduct of War' - It looks as though it may be a draft copy, as it doesn't have the official stamps and the time of attack (4:45AM) is written in red pencil (it also has been signed by Hilter himself at the bottom).

I've found this website, which provides a translation of the document -
http://avalon.law.yale.edu/imt/wardir1.asp

I live in London/Hertfordshire and am willing to drive - where would the best place be to go??

 

you may want to find an auction house that recently sold a copy of Mein Kampf with Hitler's signature. This way you could compare the signatures.

 

Thanks for the reply.

I've seen Hitlers signature on the net, and it does look identical.

But i'm more interested in the document's value rather than just the signature. Is there specialist auction houses, or would anyone do?

 

I hope your document turns out to be authentic! That would be a real find you have there. How do you plan to get it appraised?

 

To be honest, I'm not sure where the best place to take it is? Would it be worth taking to the 'Imperial War Museum' in London?

Would I be able to sell such an item at auction??

 

I have uploaded some clear pictures on this website -

Hitler's directive #1-Conduct of War

 

If in fact it is proven that your document is the original one, then you truly have a remarkable piece of history and selling it will not be too difficult. In fact I can just imagine the long line of enthusiasts waiting to make an offer, but first.....


Best of luck mate.

 

Cheers

Erm, would you have any idea where would be the best place to take it for it to be authenticated?

I live in the South East of England (but am willing to drive to see a specialist)

 

The signature looks like a photostat or auto-writer, but it doesn't mean it's not an important document. Try the Imperial War Museum?

 

What would be the tell tale signs of a photstat/autowriter signature?

I dont' suppose you would know if i had to book an appointment at the Imperial War Museum? Wouldn't they advise (push) for me to donate it to the museum?

 

I'd just give them a phone and ask. I doubt they'd push for you to donate it to the museum, they're all reasonably civilised people, as far as I know.

I'm no handwriting expert, but I've seen photostat signatures before and they all had an evenness that's unnatural in normal handwriting. Mind you, a scanned picture is no substitute for seeing something in person.