The Collector’s Encyclopaedia · Documents · Government papers

Appointment Certificates: History, Contents and Collector’s Guide

Appointment Certificates – example from the Autographs & Militaria collection
Example from the collection: Original 1938 Joseph Goebbels Signed Appointment Document – Hitler Facsimile
Content Appointment or promotion of an officer or official
Signed by The head of state, often with a ministerial countersignature
Typical signatures Hitler (often facsimile), countersigned by a minister or official
Format Large printed certificates with the state eagle
In the collection 2 pieces currently available (see below)

Appointment and promotion certificates are among the most impressive documents of the period, often bearing the names of Hitler and a minister. They are also where the question “ink or facsimile?” matters most.

What Is a Appointment Certificates?

Officers and senior officials received formal certificates when appointed or promoted. These large documents carry the state emblem, the text of the appointment and the signature of the head of state, usually countersigned by the responsible minister, such as the Minister of the Interior, Finance or War. Many carry Hitler’s signature in printed or stamped facsimile, with an ink countersignature.

Who Issued It, and Who Signed It?

The signature block shows who signed. The countersigning minister must have held office on the date of the document, which is a simple and powerful check. See original signature or facsimile, Wilhelm Frick and Hans Heinrich Lammers.

What Should Collectors Watch For?

  • Hitler’s signature: check whether it is in ink or facsimile.
  • Countersignatures: the minister must fit the date.
  • Seals and paper must be of the period.

Collector’s Note

With appointment certificates, the minister’s countersignature often tells me more about authenticity than the famous name above it.

Related Entries and Pieces

Pieces in the Collection

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Frequently Asked Questions

Who signed appointment certificates?

The head of state, usually with a ministerial countersignature.

Is Hitler’s signature on these certificates original?

Often it is a facsimile; each document must be examined.

How can the date be checked?

By checking that the countersigning minister held office on that date.

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