The Collector’s Encyclopaedia · Signatories · Wehrmacht
Friedrich Paulus (1890–1957): Signature, Documents and Historical Profile
| Born | 23 September 1890, Breitenau-Guxhagen |
|---|---|
| Died | 1 February 1957, Dresden |
| Key commands | 6th Army (January 1942); Generalfeldmarschall (night of 30/31 January 1943) |
| Documents bearing his name | 6th Army documents, award papers; documents and letters from Soviet captivity and post-war Dresden |
| In the collection | No pieces currently available |
Friedrich Paulus commanded the German 6th Army at Stalingrad and became the first German field marshal to be taken prisoner. Documents connected with him range from 6th Army papers of 1942 to material from his years in Soviet captivity and in Dresden.
Who Was Friedrich Paulus?
Paulus was born in 1890. In January 1942 he took command of the 6th Army. The Soviet offensive of 19–20 November 1942 encircled the army at Stalingrad. Hitler promoted him to Generalfeldmarschall in the night of 30/31 January 1943, and on 31 January he went into Soviet captivity. In August 1944 he joined the League of German Officers and appealed against Hitler. He testified at Nuremberg in February 1946 and was released to Dresden in October 1953.
What Documents Bear Paulus’s Signature?
His signature appears on 6th Army documents and award papers of 1942–43, and on documents from captivity and his Dresden years. Stalingrad material is highly sought after and frequently faked. See original signature or facsimile.
What Should Collectors Watch For?
- Field marshal only from the night of 30/31 January 1943.
- Stalingrad-related items need especially careful provenance.
- Post-war material should be described as such.
Captivity and Later Life
Paulus lived in Dresden from 1953 and died there on 1 February 1957.
Collector’s Note
Few names attract as many doubtful items as Stalingrad. With Paulus I ask for a clear chain of ownership before I consider the handwriting.
Related Entries and Pieces
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Frequently Asked Questions
When did Paulus become a field marshal?
In the night of 30/31 January 1943, shortly before his capture.
When was Paulus captured?
On 31 January 1943 at Stalingrad.
Where did Paulus live after the war?
In Dresden, from 1953 until his death in 1957.
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
- Kehrig, M. (2001) ‘Paulus, Friedrich Wilhelm Ernst’, Neue Deutsche Biographie, 20, pp. 133–134.