The Collector’s Encyclopaedia · Signatories · Culture & science
Wernher von Braun (1912–1977): Signature, Documents and Historical Profile
| Born | 23 March 1912, Wirsitz |
|---|---|
| Died | 16 June 1977, Alexandria, Virginia |
| Key roles | Technical director at Peenemünde (V-2); director of NASA’s Marshall Space Flight Center; Saturn V |
| Documents bearing his name | Wartime documents (rare); many post-war signed letters, photographs and books |
| In the collection | 1 piece currently available (see below) |
Wernher von Braun built the V-2 rocket for Nazi Germany and then the Saturn V that took Americans to the Moon. His autographs are popular with both space and Second World War collectors, and the great majority date from his American career.
Who Was Wernher von Braun?
Von Braun was born in Wirsitz in 1912. He was technical director at the Peenemünde rocket centre, where the A-4 rocket, renamed V-2 by the propaganda ministry, was developed. At the end of the war he and his team surrendered to US troops. In the United States he directed NASA’s Marshall Space Flight Center and led the development of the Saturn launch vehicles.
What Documents Bear Braun’s Signature?
Wartime documents with his signature are rare. Post-war signed letters, photographs and books from his NASA years are common, and some were signed by secretaries or with signing aids. See original signature or facsimile.
What Should Collectors Watch For?
- Separate wartime and NASA-era signatures.
- Be alert to secretarial and machine signatures on NASA correspondence.
- Wartime items need strong provenance.
Forced Labour and Legacy
V-2 production relied on forced labour from the Mittelbau-Dora camp, where thousands of prisoners died. Von Braun’s knowledge of these conditions is documented and debated by historians.
Collector’s Note
Von Braun shows how one signature can belong to two very different histories. I make sure the description says which history a given piece belongs to.
Related Entries and Pieces
Pieces in the Collection
Browse the full Collector’s Encyclopaedia →
Frequently Asked Questions
Did von Braun build the V-2?
He was technical director at Peenemünde, where it was developed.
Are von Braun signatures from NASA genuine?
Many are, but secretarial and machine signatures also exist.
When did von Braun die?
On 16 June 1977.
Historical Responsibility Notice: this entry documents historical figures and artefacts of the National Socialist period for collecting, preservation, education and research. It does not endorse or glorify any ideology, and it is written in memory of the victims of the regime.
References & Further Reading
- Encyclopaedia Britannica, Wernher von Braun.