1935 German Group Photograph with Joseph Goebbels Attributed Signature & Inscription

Description

1935 German Group Photograph with Joseph Goebbels Attributed Signature & Inscription

An unusual and highly collectible 1935 German presentation photograph with handwritten inscription and signature attributed to Joseph Goebbels, Reich Minister of Public Enlightenment and Propaganda during the National Socialist period. Goebbels held that ministerial position from 1933 until 1945 and was one of the principal figures responsible for the regime’s propaganda apparatus.

The piece consists of a period black-and-white group photograph mounted onto a textured brown presentation board. Beneath the photograph is a handwritten German dedication, a clearly written date and a signature.

The date reads:

18. Oktober 1935

or 18 October 1935.

At the lower right appears a handwritten signature reading:

“J. Goebbels”

The preceding handwritten dedication is partially difficult to decipher because of the cursive German handwriting and the textured surface of the board. The final words, however, are clearly consistent with:

“… Glück und Segen”

meaning approximately “… good fortune/happiness and blessings.”

The inscription and signature are therefore described conservatively as attributed to Joseph Goebbels, rather than making claims beyond what can be established from the surviving object and handwriting.

Period Photograph and Presentation

The mounted photograph depicts a formal indoor gathering with numerous political and military attendees seated together at a table or ceremonial event.

The image itself is an original vintage photographic print rather than a modern computer reproduction in appearance, with the glossy surface, ageing, cracking and handling characteristics visible in the photographs supplied.

The photographic print has been permanently mounted to the textured backing board, which also carries the manuscript inscription, date and attributed signature.

This presentation format significantly increases the visual impact of the piece: the photograph, handwritten dedication and signature have survived together as one historical object.

A Particularly Interesting Date

The handwritten date of 18 October 1935 is noteworthy.

A separate Joseph Goebbels autograph lot offered by Alexander Historical Auctions was also dated October 18, 1935 and sold for $800 in 2020. That separate auction lot reportedly included Goebbels and several other National Socialist officials. While this does not establish a direct connection with the present photograph, the identical date provides an interesting avenue for further historical research.

Autograph Collecting Interest

Original Goebbels autographs appear in a variety of formats including signed documents, photographs, presentation material and correspondence.

Recent and documented auction comparisons show the continuing specialist market for such historical autographs. International Autograph Auctions Europe sold a signed 1938 Goebbels document for €1,000 in December 2024, while another large signed photograph documented by Nate D. Sanders achieved $1,020.

This particular piece is especially interesting because the handwritten material is not simply a detached signature: it combines a personal-style inscription, signature, precise 1935 date, period photograph and original presentation mount.

Condition

The piece remains in genuine aged condition.

The photograph shows visible surface wear including scratches, cracking, small marks and areas of surface disturbance. The backing board shows age toning, handling wear and natural ageing.

These signs of use and preservation are clearly visible in the photographs and form part of the historical character of the object.

No attempt has been made in this description to conceal or minimise these characteristics.

Attribution

The handwritten dedication and signature are sold and described as:

Attributed to Joseph Goebbels.

The signature reads “J. Goebbels” and is accompanied by the handwritten date 18 October 1935.

The photograph and presentation mount themselves are represented as period material on the basis of their physical appearance and construction.

Collector Appeal

An interesting item for collectors specialising in:

German historical autographs, Third Reich documents, political history, 1930s photography, original German ephemera, signed historical material and twentieth-century European history.

The combination of photograph, handwritten inscription, date and attributed signature makes it considerably more desirable than a detached autograph alone.

Historical Notice

This object is offered exclusively as an original historical and collecting artefact. Any political personalities, uniforms, insignia or organisations represented are documented strictly within their historical context. The sale and description of this item do not imply support for National Socialism, antisemitism, totalitarianism or the ideology represented by the period material.