HITLER ADOLF: (1889-1945) Fuhrer of the Third Reich 1933-45. T.L.S., A Hitler, one page, 8vo, Berlin

HITLER ADOLF: (1889-1945) Fuhrer of the Third Reich 1933-45. T.L.S., A Hitler, one page, 8vo, Berlin

HITLER ADOLF: (1889-1945) Fuhrer of the Third Reich 1933-45. T.L.S., A Hitler, one page, 8vo, Berlin, 13th February 1933, to Oberst von Baligand, on personal printed stationery, in German. Hitler writes, in full, 'Congratulations coming from the revered commander of my old Regiment afforded me particular pleasure. Rest assured that the struggle will continue to be waged in the spirit of our List Regiment'. With blank integral leaf. One very small, neat split to the right edge of a central fold, and a couple of extremely light creases, not affecting the text or signature, VG

Maximilian von Baligand (1869-1945) German Oberleutnant whom Hitler served under in the Bavarian Reserve Infantry Regiment 16 (1st Company of the List Regiment) during World War I. Adolf Hitler's service during World War I with the List Regiment, which he described as 'the greatest of all experiences' and resulted in him being present at the First Battle of Ypres and the Battle of the Somme, changed the directionless youth into a fanatical German nationalist. Before the outbreak of war, Hitler had failed in his attempt to study art in Vienna and was reduced to begging in the streets of the Austrian capital. He managed to support himself by selling painted postcards, but his life was purposeless until he moved to Munich and petitioned King Ludwig III of Bavaria to allow him to join the Bavarian Army. Hitler's almost suicidal daring during the war won him many decorations for valour, but his spirits sank as Germany's fortunes waned. He had, however, already begun to formulate his ideas for a Germany of the future, ideas which he eventually expressed in Mein Kampf. The present letter was signed by Hitler just two weeks after having assumed power as Chancellor of Germany on 30th January 1933.