Imperial German Postcard of Generalfeldmarschall von Hindenburg

This postcard depicts a formal color portrait of Generalfeldmarschall Paul von Hindenburg in Imperial German Army uniform, rendered in a finely executed color lithographic style typical of pre– and wartime German military portrait postcards. Hindenburg is shown wearing a field-gray tunic with red piping, a peaked officer’s cap bearing the Imperial cockade, and prominently displayed Iron Cross awards, reinforcing the image’s function as both a patriotic and commemorative piece. Beneath the portrait appears a facsimile-style signature reading “von Hindenburg,” printed as part of the design rather than hand-signed.

The artwork is printed on light cream card stock with a smooth surface, showing scattered age spotting and light foxing consistent with early 20th-century paper. The reverse is a standard divided-back “Postkarte” format with decorative floral border elements and printed publisher information reading “Hermann Schött A.G., Aktiengesellschaft, Rheydt,” a known German publisher of illustrated postcards during the Imperial period. The card is unused, with no writing or postal markings, preserving the full clarity of the image and typography.

Historically, postcards of Hindenburg were mass-produced during the First World War as symbols of German military leadership and morale. Following his rise to national prominence after victories on the Eastern Front, Hindenburg became one of the most recognizable figures in Germany, and his image was widely circulated in portrait cards intended for both civilian admiration and soldier correspondence. Such cards occupied a space between propaganda and popular culture, serving as affordable, personal objects through which loyalty and national pride were expressed.

For collectors, this postcard holds particular appeal as a representative example of Imperial German leadership iconography. While Hindenburg postcards are not rare in absolute terms, original period examples in unused condition with intact borders and legible printing remain desirable, especially when well-preserved and visually strong. It fits squarely within WWI-era German photographic and illustrated ephemera collections, as well as broader leadership portrait groupings.

Condition is good overall. The card shows light surface toning, scattered foxing, and minor edge wear consistent with age. No tears, creases, or postal damage are visible. The image remains clear, with strong color retention and no trimming or restoration observed.