Ehrenrangliste der Kaiserlich Deutschen Marine 1914–1918, Berlin 1930

Original Imperial German naval reference work titled Ehrenrangliste der Kaiserlich Deutschen Marine 1914–18, published in Berlin in 1930 by the Marine-Offizier-Verband (Naval Officers’ Association). This substantial volume is the official Honor and Rank List of the Imperial German Navy covering the entirety of the First World War, documenting officers, their service records, wartime postings, promotions, decorations, and fate during the conflict.

The full title translates into English as:
“Honor Rank List of the Imperial German Navy 1914–1918.”

The work was originally compiled by Konteradmiral a. D. Stoelzel (Retired Rear Admiral Stoelzel). Following his death in September 1928, the continuation and completion of the project was undertaken by Kapitän zur See a. D. Waldemar Krah (Retired Sea Captain Waldemar Krah), as explained in the printed Gedenkblatt (Memorial Page). The preface and foreword sections detail the intent of the work: to honor fallen naval comrades, record wounds and service, and preserve the institutional memory of the Kaiserliche Marine in the aftermath of Germany’s defeat and the dissolution of the Imperial armed forces.

Physically, the book is bound in its original red cloth boards with gilt-stamped title and dates on the front cover and spine. The front cover bears the gilt Imperial naval eagle. The spine is titled Ehrenrangliste der Kaiserlich Deutschen Marine 1914–1918. The binding remains solid and complete, with visible surface wear, rubbing, and fading consistent with age and handling. The cloth shows scuffing, edge wear, and areas of light discoloration. The spine is intact, with readable gilt lettering, though softened from use.

The interior features patterned endpapers decorated with repeating Imperial eagles and naval anchors. The title page confirms publication in Berlin, 1930, with printing by Thormann & Goetsch, Berlin SW 48, Besselstraße 17. The book contains extensive tabular listings arranged by rank, including Leutnants zur See, Kapitänleutnants, and higher officer grades. Entries record name, date of birth, date of entry into service, wartime assignments, ships served aboard, U-boat service where applicable, promotions, and remarks including deaths or postwar status.

Several pages show period handwritten pencil annotations and notes in German, likely added by a researcher or collector using the volume as a reference tool. These notes appear to reference names, dates, and cross-checks rather than ownership inscriptions. All handwritten content is in German; no personal dedication or signature is present.

The historical significance of this volume cannot be overstated. The Ehrenrangliste is one of the most important primary sources for research into Imperial German naval officers of the First World War, including surface fleet, U-boat arm, and naval aviation personnel. It is indispensable for advanced collectors researching named awards, naval documents, U-boat commanders, and officer career paths. Many surviving naval award groups, documents, and photographs rely on this work for definitive attribution and verification.

Condition is good overall. The book is complete, structurally sound, and fully legible throughout. Wear is consistent with age and professional reference use. There is no evidence of modern repair or restoration. Interior pages show light toning, minor edge wear, and scattered handling marks.