The Collector’s Encyclopaedia · Signatories · SS & Police
Fritz Darges (1913–2009): Signature, Documents and Historical Profile
| Born | 8 February 1913, Dülseberg near Salzwedel |
|---|---|
| Died | 25 October 2009 |
| Key posts | Senior adjutant to Martin Bormann; Hitler’s personal staff (from 1940); Waffen-SS division Wiking |
| Documents bearing his name | Staff documents, signed photographs, post-war letters |
| In the collection | 1 piece currently available (see below) |
Fritz Darges served on Hitler’s personal staff for four years of the war and was one of the last surviving members of his inner circle when he died in 2009. Most Darges signatures on the market are post-war.
Who Was Fritz Darges?
Darges was born near Salzwedel in 1913. He served as senior adjutant to Martin Bormann and joined Hitler’s personal staff in 1940, attending many conferences during the war. According to his obituary, Hitler dismissed him in July 1944 and sent him to the front, where he served with the SS Panzer division Wiking.
What Documents Bear Darges’s Signature?
Wartime signatures appear on staff documents; post-war signatures on letters and photographs. Describe the period clearly. See original signature or facsimile.
What Should Collectors Watch For?
- Most signatures on the market are post-war.
- Wartime staff documents need careful provenance.
- Photographs claiming to show him with Hitler must be checked against archival images.
Later Life
After the war Darges worked as a car salesman. He died in 2009.
Collector’s Note
Witnesses like Darges, who lived into the twenty-first century, signed for collectors for decades. Such signatures are genuine, but they are post-war autographs, and I describe them as such.
Related Entries and Pieces
Pieces in the Collection
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Frequently Asked Questions
Who was Fritz Darges?
An SS officer on Hitler’s personal staff and adjutant to Martin Bormann.
When did Darges die?
On 25 October 2009.
Are Darges signatures wartime?
Most on the market are post-war.
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
- The Irish Times (2009) Member of Hitler’s inner circle who remained loyal to the end, 7 November 2009.