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OF THE SECOND WORLD WAR The Heroes & Villains of World War II |
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Never in our history have the faces of the villains been more defined as in World War II. Think for a moment. The American Revolution was a fight for our independence. Our righteous slogan was "Give me liberty or give me death!" The War of 1812 was brought on by maritime trade infringements and the impressments of American sailors by the British Navy. The Mexican War of 1848 was fought largely to complete our "Manifest Destiny" of sovereignty over the continent from the Atlantic to the Pacific. There were no clear-cut individual villains that emerged in either of these. The Spanish-American War was largely a manufactured war to obtain freedom from imperialist Spain for the Cubans and ignited by the sinking of the USS Maine in Havana Harbor and the yellow journalism of the day fostered by William Randolph Hearst. Again, there were no villains we could picture in our newspapers. Then came World War I. Isolationist America had stayed out of the European war for four years (1914-18). Too, there were divided loyalties because of the large German immigrant population in the United States. Woodrow Wilson had won his second term in office with the catchphrase: "He kept us out of war." Finally though we did declare war and turned the tide toward victory. But that victory set the clock ticking toward an even greater conflagration 20 years later. The steady aggression beginning in the '30s of what would later become known as the Axis Powers, that is Germany and Italy in Europe and Japan in Asia, embroiled the continents in a pan-European-Asian tinderbox that forcefully exploded with the attack on Pearl Harbor.
The three main leaders of the Axis nations who were portrayed to the American people in the newsreels everyday looked like they came out of Central Casting for a comic opera.
When we at Signature House formulated our auction principals, we discussed whether to include Nazis and some of the Japanese known for their atrocities, among others. We decided to do so because of their importance in world history, and in hopes that young autograph collectors might learn valuable history. Napoleon, for instance, could fall on either side of the world's heroes or villains. But to omit him would leave a gaping hole in the historical fabric. History is not only our vocation, historical autographs are our business.
The charismatic cult personality of Adolf Hitler captivated the German people. He led them to destruction and took 12 million people along with him before the evil dictator chose to commit suicide in 1945. His signature is today valued at $400. A letter or documents signed is $1300. A handwritten letter signed by Hitler is very rare and is valued at $10,000 in today's market. A signed photograph sells for $1800. His original art is considered very desirable.
Americans thought Hitler studied dramatics from the Italian master Benito Mussolini who styled himself "Il Duce." His theatrical harangues made him seem a buffoon to American audiences. His autograph suggests he studied the Palmer method of writing, practicing the manner he used ovals which was reflected in his entire signature.
Not so with the third Tripartite participant, the Japanese Emperor Michinomiya Hirohito. He remained reclusive during the war, never communicating with his people until uttering his surrender speech after the two atomic bombs were drooped. He was satired as buck-toothed and wearing oversize thick glasses, often repeating the phrase "So sorry" as Japan invaded Manchuria and Indonesia. Hirohito who was considered divine by his subjects remains a very rare collectible. His signature alone auctions at $750. A letter or document signed by him is valued at $4000. There are no known handwritten signed letters of his to come to market. A signed photograph of the emperor sells for $4500.
Derisive jokes became popular to intensify our enemy's villainy. We were told that Hitler's name was actually Adolf Shicklegruber; the fact that he had been an artist was transliterated to "paperhanger." He was a comic villain up to our involvement in the war and even afterward. We laughed at the Italians. Though he liked to compare himself to Julius Caesar, Mussolini was ill prepared to enter the war. Their defeat in early battles provided fodder for many jokes. It is said that Joachim von Ribbentrop, the German ambassador-at-large, was hoping to keep England out of the war. Making his case to English Prime Minister Winston Churchill, von Ribbentrop insisted that Germany was going to win and Great Britain should therefore stay out of it. "Remember," he is said to have told Winston, "this time we have the Italians on our side." Smiling and taking a puff from his ever-present cigar, Churchill smirked: "It's only fair; we had them last time."
The jokes and songs of WW II made it abundantly clear whom the villains and heroes were. Franklin Roosevelt was always seen smiling and confident, his long-stemmed cigarette holder jauntily angled between his teeth. His famous fireside chats offered the American people comforting reassurance during those long war years. A stamp and autograph collector in his own right, he took his time penning his signature for posterity. It is told that one stamp dealer was not cashing his checks, which was playing havoc with Roosevelt's bookkeeping.
At the top of the list of British World War II heroes list is, of course, the farsighted wartime British Prime Minister Winston Churchill. The English bulldog, Winnie as he was affectionately called, with his big cigar and Derby hat had a gift of articulation that was always quotable. However, in contrast to Roosevelt, he appeared to be in a hurry to sign his signature. After his less than glorious record during World War I, most historians thought he would never be heard from again.
Then when Russia decided to join the Allies, "Uncle Joe" Stalin seemed a pleasant enough man
Considered one of the "Big Four" Allied leaders at the time, General Chiang Kai-shek was to lead resistance in China against the Japanese. Forget the fact he was reluctant to fight battles with the Japanese and when he did, he always lost. As the United States kept giving the Generalissimo more guns and airplanes to fight, he kept stockpiling them for what he foresaw as the larger fight with the Communist Chinese led by Mao Tse-Tung, whose autograph remains rare in any form. He lost anyway and retreated to Taiwan. But then, his wife Madam Kai-shek seemed such an elegant lady and spoke English quite well.
Such were the principle actors of the Second World War. As collectors, it seems we are also at odds regarding their desirability. No one collects autographs and memorabilia from both sides. As a matter of fact, when I went to my first big military collectibles show in Charlotte in 2004, I was amazed to find people from all over the world in attendance. Furthermore I was shocked to see so much Nazi memorabilia. I scratched my head wondering just who had won the war! There were collectors who only wanted Nazi Panzer related material from the Eastern Front or only the Luftwaffe from the Western Front. There were rows and rows of original guns, uniforms, and military accoutrements. What amazes me still is all of the militaria that are still in private hands.
In the few years since 9-11, World War II has become very desirable in the collectibles market. It was a time when our country was attacked, the heroes and villains were easily recognizable and patriotism ran high. Even the isolationists were eager to join the fray.
Of the Allies, General George Patton Jr., the brilliant and colorful former cavalry officer who followed Pershing into Mexico with the American Expeditionary Forces and to Europe in World War I, became the leading tank commander of his day. As most military over-achievers, he was not without controversy. His off-the-cuff remarks and hell-for-leather actions put his superiors in sometimes uncomfortable corners. His accidental death in 1945 in a freak automobile accident was surely not the blaze of glory the ivory-handled pistol packing general would have chosen. In all forms, his autograph remains one of the most popular. Even in his early letters from West Point to his doting mother, Patton seems to have been writing for posterity for he signed is name in full.
Patton's friend and more diplomatic Dwight Eisenhower rose above his fellow officer to become Supreme Allied Commander and, as sometimes happens with military war heroes, he was elected 34th President of the United States. His competitiveness was demonstrated in his early days at West Point when the smaller Eisenhower played defensive end for the Academy football team trying to stop the legendary Jim Thorpe. His war-date autograph is even more highly prized among autograph collectors than as President.
Five-star General Douglas MacArthur tried throughout his life to make military achievements that would bring him out of the shadow of his father Arthur who won the Medal of Honor during the Civil War. His humiliating evacuation of the Philippines after which he made his famous promise, "I shall return" was eventually redeemed with his carefully choreographed wading ashore with his troops when the islands were taken back, due in great part because of his continual lobbying of his superiors in Washington. MacArthur knew the value of the newsreels seen by Americans back home. He was a master at oratory and dramatic images. He went on to accept the Japanese surrender and govern admirably in occupied Japan at the end of the war. When later asked about his experience serving as assistant to MacArthur's chief of staff in the Philippines in the '30s, Eisenhower commented dryly, "I studied dramatics under MacArthur." This hero of Inchon's autograph letter signed is worth about $450 and a signed photograph would fetch $300.
Omar Bradley, who started World War II as Patton's junior officer, later became his superior. This five-star general was not so charismatic, but was one of the most efficient Army officers who Eisenhower relied upon. He led the First Army in Europe.
America's naval operations in the Pacific was successfully led by five-star Admiral Chester Nimitz, who as a boy was never nearer a body of water bigger than his Texas bathtub. A real hero in the Pacific theatre, his signature today would bring $80 at auction, while a handwritten would bring $200 and a signed photograph even more at $250.
The pugnacious William "Bull" Halsey's nickname was well earned. This colorful five-star admiral who led America's carrier force in the Pacific not only could out-fight the Japanese, he could out-cuss them as well. An autograph letter signed by Halsey would go for $200 at auction and his signed photograph would fetch $250.
There are a number of other collectible American generals and admirals that should be mentioned, including Admirals Ernest King, Raymand Spruance, Joseph Stilwell and Generals Anthony McCauliffe, Mark Clark and Henry "Hap" Arnold. Generals James Doolittle and Carl Spaatz are always sought after autographs as well.
Field Marshall Bernard Montgomery is best known among the British generals of World War II. The hero of Alamein defeated Rommel in the African desert and led the British Forces in Europe. After being honored as Viscount for his brilliant achievement, he always signed his autograph as "Montgomery of Alamein." His signature goes for $50, while a handwritten
letter goes for $150; and a signed photograph of Montgomery is worth $200.
Other British collectibles include General Harold "Bomber" Franklyn, Field Marshal Archibald Wavell and Supreme Allied Commander SE Asia Louis Mountbatten, later assassinated by Irish terrorists.
Of the Free-French Charles de Gaulle stands heads and shoulders above the French military notables of World War II, both literally and figuratively. Of course, for the Allied leadership dealing with this general was almost as difficult as the Germans themselves. Nevertheless, his spirited radio messages broadcast from London kept up the morale of the French resistance and French citizens of Nazi-occupied France. When the Allies liberated Paris, General de Gaulle led the Free French forces into the capital. He headed the French government well after World War II when he became the first president of the Fifth Republic. A signed photograph auctions as high as $500.
Field Marshal Georgi Zhukov was Stalin's most trusted general. He led the victory at Kursk, the world's largest tank battle. Stalin pushed Zhukov to enter Berlin first, which he accomplished at great sacrifice of his army. A handwritten letter signed by General Zhukov auctions at $200 and a photograph even higher.
World War I fighter ace Hermann Goering took over Manfred von Richthofen's squadron when he was shot down. Because of war wounds he became addicted to morphine. Göring was an early supporter of Hitler and rose to become head of the Luftwaffe. Undergoing detoxification while in Allied prison, he defended himself brilliantly at Nürnberg before he committed suicide in his cell before his death sentence could be carried out. An autographed signed letter signed by Göring sells for $550. A signed photograph is valued at $500.
The Prime Minister of Propaganda for Nazi Germany was Joseph Goebbels, a politician who showed genius at manipulating public opinion through all means available to him. Loyal to the end, he and his wife killed their children and committed suicide in Hitler's bunker. His signature is valued at $100; a letter or document signed at $750. A photograph signed by Goebbels auctions at $500.
Rudolf Hess was named third deputy of the Reich in 1939. He was imprisoned with Hitler and acted as his secretary while Hitler dictated Mein Kampf. He mysteriously flew to England early in 1941 reportedly to initiate peace discussions between the two nations. Hitler called him mad. Interestingly, he served the longest at Spandau prison, the Russians refusing to grant his release. Hess died there in 1987. An autograph letter signed is $350 and a signed photograph $400.
The man considered most responsible for the Holocaust is Heinrich Himmler, a nondescript poultry farmer who rose through the ranks to head the Gestapo. Though this cold-blooded leader of the SS delighted in visiting the concentration camps, he could not stand the sight of blood. Himmler betrayed the Führer during the last days of the Reich and tried to contact the Allies to commence negotiations. A letter or document signed at $400. An autograph letter sells for around $600.
One of the most sought after among the Nazi military is Reinhard Heydrich, assistant to Himmler who helped organize Hitler's "Final Solution." He was assassinated in 1942. A letter or document signed would fetch $600. An autograph letter signed by Heydrich sells for $750 and a signed photograph for $800.
His henchman, Adolf Eichmann carried out Heydrich's plan and was responsible for the extermination of millions of Jews. He disappeared after the war and was ultimately found in Argentina by Mossad agents in 1960. The infamous Nazi was abducted and taken to Israel where he was tried and executed for crimes against humanity in Israel. A handwritten document signed by him fetches upwards of $2000 and a letter with full signature even more.
Martin Borman was Adolf Hitler's private secretary. He was never declared dead until 1973. Head of Nazi Party Chancellery, this secretive man was one of the Führer's closest associates. A letter or document signed would sell for $300. A handwritten letter signed by Borman is $700 and a signed photograph is $400.
The commander of the Nazi storm troopers known as the SA was a known practicing homosexual, Ernst Rohm. His Brown Shirts were a threat to the regular German Army that Hitler needed to carry out his war plans. Hitler turned on his former ally on the "Night of the Long Knives." Röhm, other leaders of the SA as well as dissidents whom Hitler wanted to eliminate, were murdered. Signature: $125; letter or document signed: $300; autograph letter signed: $600; signed photograph: $750.
The German Wehrmacht or regular army was reduced to 100,000 men after World War I. However, the army kept their officers and sought ways to rebuild when Hitler gave the word after coming to power. Becoming one of the world's elite fighting forces, their tactics are studied today. Blitzkrieg has become part of the common vernacular for lightning movements and total war.
Field Marshal Karl von Rundstedt commanding the western front exemplified old-school Prussian military excellence. An ALS fetches in the range of $400.
One of the most popular Nazi generals is the romanticized Erwin Rommel. This Desert Fox was a brilliant tank commander. In Africa he became a legend. Though brought back to stop the Allied invasion of Europe, he was forced to commit suicide when he was suspected of being a party to the July Plot to overthrow Hitler. Documents signed while he led the Panzer Corps in North Africa are common but still fetch around $500. However a handwritten letter signed by him is valued at $1500 and a signed photograph at $600.
Field Marshal Heinz Guderian was responsible for early German successes when he developed the blitzkrieg tactic. However he lost one of the largest tank battles in history at Kursk. Guderian continually argued military tactics with Hitler to the end. A letter or document signed is valued at $150; an ALS at $200; and an SP at $300.
German fighter aces continue to be valuable autographs. Among them is Ernst Udet of WW I fame who was charged with Nazi production and development of the Nazi Air Force during World War II under his friend Göring. Criticized and depressed over the performance of the Luftwaffe after the Battle of Britain and Operation Barbarossa, he committed suicide in 1941, to Hitler's embarrassment. His autograph is uncommon.
Other collectible Nazi aces include Erich Hartman, the world's top ace with over 300 victories; and Adolf Galland, Germany's youngest general and later head of Lufthanza. Their autographs are quite common.
Of the German Navy, Grand Admiral Karl Donitz, the famed U-Boat commander, is probably most common. He briefly succeeded Hitler for a few days before surrendering to the Allies.
Admiral Erich Raeder was commander in chief of the German Navy. When the Battle of Britain was lost, he urged Hitler to disengage. He was also against Operation Barbarossa. Increasingly disappointed with the navy's performance, Hitler replaced Raeder with Dönitz in 1943. His signed photograph is valued at $200.
The most surprising phenomena in my opinion to occur during World War II were the Japanese atrocities and their exceedingly cold-blooded way of treating prisoners. In an otherwise cultured and peaceful people, their barbarity in WW II is a mystery.
Hideki Tojo, wartime prime minister of Japan, was executed as a war criminal in 1948 only after he was rescued by the US Army in an attempted suicide. His signature sells for $100; a letter or document signed is valued at $300; an autograph document signed auctions for $700; while a signed photograph by Tojo sells for $500.
Admiral Isoroku Yamamoto who engineered the attack on Pearl Harbor was educated at Princeton and foresaw the American reaction better than his civilian superiors. Shot down in the Pacific, he remains highly collectible among Japanese World War II personalities. His signature is valued in today's market at $100. A letter or document signed might fetch $300; while an autograph document signed goes for $600 and a signed photograph by Yamamoto sells for $400.
World War II is an excellent investment and now is a great time to buy. I feel both heroes and villains will increase in value. As always, know who you buy from and try to be an informed collector. |
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During the 1990s a large number of his state documents signed by King Vittorio Emanuele countersigned with Mussolini's large signature were dumped on the market. Naturally the prices deflated, and today you can obtain such documents at bargain prices. In today's market a letter or document signed fetches $100, usually with the signature of King Vittorio on state documents; a handwritten letter signed sells for $500; and a signed photograph by Mussolini sells for about $400. Benito Mussolini was a dramatic forceful leader who met with initial successes in his rise to power. However he did not have the personnel, military hardware or popular backing to sustain his ambition to bring Rome back to its ancient glory. Though their mutual admiration was short-lived, he was in the end a puppet of the Nazi regime. He was killed as he tried to flee Allied incursion and suffered an ignominious end, together with his mistress, which the appalled Hitler sought to avoid.
Complaining to the dealer one day, he was told not to worry about it; his autograph was going to be far more valuable to the dealer than the stamps he sold him.
But Winnie's dogged determination reflected in his encouraging speeches and photographs with familiar cigar kept the fires of patriotism lit through what he called his nation's darkest hour. His signature along is worth $400 today while a letter of document signed brings $1100 in today's market. An autograph letter signed fetches at least $2200 at auction while a signed photo would auction at $2000.
Their autographs are quite common. His autograph letter signed sells for $150 and a signed photograph for $125.
They still fetch considerable amounts. His signature brings $450 at auction, while letters and documents signed $1200 or more depending on if they are war-date. Autograph letters Signed land signed photographs are valued in the neighborhood of $2500.
A signed copy of his statement to the troops on the eve of the Normandy invasion is high on collectors' lists. A war-date handwritten letter brings $2000 and a signed photo $300.
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