SMS OSTFRIESLAND POSTCARD – IMPERIAL GERMAN NAVY – MAILED TO CHICAGO, USA

This is a striking original postcard featuring the Imperial German Navy dreadnought battleship SMS Ostfriesland, one of the most formidable vessels of the Kaiserliche Marine during World War I. The image showcases the battleship at sea, accompanied by an illustration of the ship’s name banner and the Imperial German naval ensign. The postcard was published by Verlag C.Cent. in Kiel, a well-known publisher of naval-themed postcards during the early 20th century.

The SMS Ostfriesland belonged to the Helgoland-class battleships and played a significant role in the Battle of Jutland (1916), the largest naval engagement of World War I. After the war, she was surrendered to the United States as part of the Treaty of Versailles and later used in aerial bombing tests conducted by General Billy Mitchell in 1921, marking one of the earliest demonstrations of air power against naval warships.

Reverse Side & Historical Context

This postcard was mailed from Kiel, Germany, on October 10th (year unclear, likely early 1910s) to Heinrich Nonnmann in Chicago, Illinois, USA. It bears a 10-pfennig Deutsches Reich stamp featuring an image of Kaiser Wilhelm II and a clear postmark from Kiel. The handwritten message on the back is in German and provides a glimpse into personal correspondence from the time.

Translation of the Message:

"Dear Heinrich,
I have received your last letter and was very happy to hear from you. How are you doing? Things are going well here. We have had quite good weather lately, and I hope it stays that way.
Have you received my last letter? Please write back soon.
With warm greetings,
[Signature]"

This piece of wartime correspondence reflects the connections between German immigrants in the United States and their homeland during the early 20th century.

Condition:

• Front: Displays light wear and minor age-related toning. A visible crease is present in the upper-right corner, slightly affecting the image but not diminishing its visual appeal.
• Reverse: The writing is legible, and the postmark is well-defined. Some expected discoloration from age, but overall in very good condition for its age.

Why This is a Must-Have for Collectors:

• Rare depiction of SMS Ostfriesland, an iconic German battleship that later made aviation history.
• Authentic wartime correspondence, adding historical depth and a human element to the piece.
• Mailed to the USA, making it a fascinating piece for both German naval and German-American history collectors.

Display Suggestions:
This postcard would look exceptional in a naval history collection, framed alongside related Kriegsmarine memorabilia, or as part of a World War I exhibit showcasing the transition of battleships from dominance to vulnerability against air power.

A truly unique addition for collectors of Imperial German Navy, World War I ephemera, and German-American historical items.