The Collector’s Encyclopaedia · Signatories · Military
Erich Ludendorff (1865–1937): Signature, Documents and Historical Profile
| Born | 9 April 1865, Kruszewnia (Province of Posen) |
|---|---|
| Died | 20 December 1937, Tutzing |
| Key roles | Chief of Staff of the 8th Army (Tannenberg, 1914); First Quartermaster General (August 1916 – October 1918) |
| Documents bearing his name | Military orders, letters, signed photographs and postcards, books |
| In the collection | See current pieces in the collection |
Erich Ludendorff was, with Hindenburg, the leading figure of the German war effort from 1916. After the war he joined Hitler in the 1923 putsch. His signature is popular with collectors of both the First World War and the Weimar period.
Who Was Erich Ludendorff?
Ludendorff was born in 1865 in the Province of Posen. In August 1914 his brigade took the citadel of Liège, for which he received the Pour le Mérite. As chief of staff of the 8th Army under Hindenburg he shared in the victory of Tannenberg. From 29 August 1916 he served as First Quartermaster General in the Supreme Army Command, until his dismissal on 26 October 1918.
What Documents Bear Ludendorff’s Signature?
His signature appears on military documents, letters, signed photographs and postcards, and in copies of his books. Heads of state and senior officials did not sign everything issued in their name: printed and stamped facsimiles, secretarial signatures and signatures “by order” are common on routine documents. See original signature or facsimile.
What Should Collectors Watch For?
- Wartime and post-war signatures should be separated.
- Printed postcards of Hindenburg and Ludendorff often carry facsimiles.
- Political material of the 1920s needs context.
After the War
He took part in Hitler’s putsch of 9 November 1923 and was acquitted in 1924. He sat in the Reichstag from 1924 to 1928, received 1.1% of the vote in the presidential election of March 1925, founded the Tannenbergbund and broke with the NSDAP in 1928. He died in Tutzing in 1937.
Collector’s Note
Hindenburg and Ludendorff postcards are everywhere; signed ones are much rarer. The difference is the first thing I check.
Related Entries and Pieces
Pieces in the Collection
Browse current pieces related to Erich Ludendorff in the Autographs & Militaria collection.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What was Ludendorff’s role in the First World War?
First Quartermaster General from August 1916, alongside Hindenburg.
Did Ludendorff take part in the Hitler putsch?
Yes, on 9 November 1923; he was acquitted in 1924.
When did Ludendorff die?
On 20 December 1937, in Tutzing.
Historical Responsibility Notice: this entry documents historical figures and artefacts for collecting, preservation, education and research. It does not endorse or glorify any ideology.
References & Further Reading
- Deutsches Historisches Museum, LeMO – Lebendiges Museum Online, Erich Ludendorff 1865–1937 (K.-B. Albrecht; last updated 2014).