Description
PRUSSIA – POSTCARD – ADMIRAL REINHARD SCHEER – NAVY – WITH REPRODUCTION AUTOGRAPH.
Reinhard Scheer (1863-1928) was one of the Kaiserliche Marine’s leading admirals. He led the High Seas Fleet at the Battle of Jutland (Skagerrakschlacht). Franz von Hipper served as Scheer’s subordinate in the battle. [Hipper was vital in allowing the main German fleet to withdraw at the battle’s conclusion]. In 1918, Scheer replaced Großadmiral Henning von Holtzendorff as Chief of the Navy Staff. This was the top position in the German Navy that previously had been held by Großadmiral Alfred von Tirpitz. Scheer was awarded the Orden Pour le Mérite following June 1916’s Battle of Jutland. He was awarded the Orden Pour le Mérite with Oak Leaves in February 1918.
This postcard depicts him from the thighs up. Scheer is wearing a 1914 Iron Cross 1st Class on his chest, with his PLM at his throat. His hand rests on his naval dagger. A reproduction of his signature appears below him, along with his rank of “Admiral.” He is a stern-looking officer. The postcard is in excellent condition and was never mailed.
