Dr Roland Freisler Signed Award Document

[CollectorDon]

Hi all,

May i first apologise for the poor quality photo, its dark here and im at work during day light hours so for now this will have to do.

Apologies aside, lets get on with it. May i introduce one of my favourite award documents in my collection, it was awarded to District Court Judge Edmund Van Hout upon his retirement on the 13th August 1942, Edmund appears to have worked at the Fuhrer Headquarters which is interesting in itself. Sadly i cannot find any further information on Edmund but this may change by posting his name here.

Besides the subject of this award document the most interesting thing is the hand signed name in ink of Dr Roland Freisler. I believe him to be one of the most odious men of the Reich and was involved in some of the most horrific yet interesting events of those years from his entry into the party, the White Rose Show Trials, the Wannsee Conference, the Peoples Court, the 20th July Plot trials to name but a few.

I believe this document to be a rare piece indeed and it seems his signature doesnt come up for sale that much. I look forward to your comments and interest, im not worried with questions of authenticity just interest in the subject.

Regards, D.

[CollectorDon]

Im surprised there is no interest in this?

[crfraser]

There is probably interest but the photo is such poor quality that one cannot comment on the quality or authenticity of the Freisler signature. I know that his brother also signed (can't recall in what capacity) and is sometiimes confused with odious Roland.

I suggest you try to get a better close up of the autograph if you want feedback.

Colin

[crfraser]

Apologies - just read your complete post and saw that you aren't looking for verification.

So more on topic, I have seen about ten Freislers in various auctions over the last five or so years. Many were never bid on despite a reasonable reserve or asking price, perhaps for the same reason I didn't bid despite collecting German resistance.

As a personal decision, I wouldn't want Freisler in my collection.

Colin

[CollectorDon]

Hi Colin,

Thanks for the reply, i will certainly put up some better pictures for archives sake as i believe only one other example of Freislers signature has appeared on the forum. With regards to his brothers signature being confused with Rolands, i can understand that but i believe he committed suicide in 1939 and my docs from 1942.

Its interesting that you wouldnt want Freisler in your collection despite being on theme. Is that because of the type of character he was?

Regards, D.

[crfraser]

Hi D -

I collect German Resistance and July 20. I have several counter-coup signatures including Fromm, Remer and most of the main actors that night from Wachtbataillon Berlin.

I have thought about bidding on Freisler several times but haven't followed through. I guess its about not placing the signature of this reptile in with the conspirators, who may be seen by some as the good guys (with varying shades of grey).

I also have considered expanding the collection to include those who were in the Lagebaracke on July 20 but have decided no, at least for now. i have to admit that part of the reason for not expanding the collection's scope is potential size and part is the difficulty in getting the controlling shareholder (aka SWMBO) to support the purchase of supporters of the regime :-)

Nice document.

Colin

[Br. James]

Hi Colin,

If I may, I certainly agree that Roland Freisler is and should be high on anyone's list of slimy characters, but since he played the high-profile position of representing the German Government during the July 20th show trial and his 'performance' will forever be on public record for it's portrayal of a legal system gone insane in its boundless aggressiveness, it makes sense to me to include Freisler with a comprehensive collection of signatures associated with that event.

Br. James