WWI German Generalfeldmarschall von Hindenburg Signed Portrait Postcard

This is an original Imperial German World War I–era portrait postcard depicting Generalfeldmarschall Paul von Hindenburg, one of the most significant military leaders of the First World War and later President of the German Reich. The image is based on an original painting by R. Swierzy of Berlin, whose signature appears within the artwork at lower right. The postcard bears a facsimile signature beneath the portrait reading “von Hindenburg.”

The printed German text on the reverse reads in full:

“Unterschrift mit Genehmigung Seiner Exzellenz des Herrn Generalfeldmarschall v. Hindenburg. Nach Originalgemälde von R. Swierzy, Berlin. (In gleicher Ausführung, Format 33/43 cm, Mk. 1.)”

Translated into English:

“Signature reproduced with the permission of His Excellency General Field Marshal von Hindenburg. After the original painting by R. Swierzy, Berlin. (In the same execution, format 33 x 43 cm, price 1 Mark.)”

The portrait shows Hindenburg in Imperial German field-grey uniform with contrasting collar and lapels, wearing his peaked cap with cockades and displaying the Pour le Mérite at the neck, emphasizing his status as Germany’s preeminent wartime commander following victories such as Tannenberg. The artwork reflects official wartime iconography intended to promote confidence in German leadership and was widely distributed as patriotic ephemera during the conflict.

Physically, this is a standard-format period postcard printed on cardstock, with a matte surface and rich color lithography. The reverse features the typical divided postcard layout, with no postage stamp present. A period pencil notation in the upper right reads “A 1632” and “M. 70”, likely an inventory or pricing mark added post-war by a dealer or collector. No handwritten correspondence is present.

Historically, Hindenburg was elevated to near-mythic status in Imperial Germany during World War I, and officially sanctioned portraits such as this were produced with his explicit approval. These cards were sold, collected, and displayed on the home front and among soldiers, serving as both morale-building imagery and patriotic collectibles. While mass-produced, examples surviving in clean, displayable condition remain desirable to collectors of Imperial German militaria, WWI ephemera, and political-military iconography.

Condition:
Very good original condition. Moderate age toning and scattered staining on the reverse, consistent with wartime paper stock. Minor edge wear and corner rounding visible. The image remains sharp, with strong color and clear facial detail. No tears or repairs observed.

Provenance:
Officially authorized Imperial German wartime publication, produced with the permission of Generalfeldmarschall von Hindenburg and after an original painting by R. Swierzy, Berlin.