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NOTE: I have recently acquired a literal treasure trove of WW1 and WW2 military items and will be listing them in the coming months. All of the items were destined for the landfill, until my sister in law rescued them! Stay tuned…
Up for sale is a highly rare, cohesive 4-piece collection of original Real Photo Postcards (RPPC) documenting the historic commissioning and the start of the first global world tour (Weltreise) of the German Light Cruiser Emden III between 1925 and 1926.
This set is a remarkable find for maritime historians and military ephemera collectors. Rather than isolated snapshots, these four cards follow a sequential, chronological narrative directly from a sailor's personal photo album, complete with clear, legible handwritten German descriptions on the reverse identifying the exact historical events.
The 4-Card Chronological Sequence Included:
The Commissioning: (October 15, 1925): Features the official photographer's stamp of Bernh. Drüppel (Wilhelmshaven) on the reverse. Captures the historic day the ship entered service, with the handwritten notation: "Der Kommandant geht an Bord / Indienstnahme Kreuzer „Emden III“" (The commander comes aboard / Commissioning of the Cruiser Emden III).
The Departure: (November 14, 1926): Shows massive crowds packing the harbor walls at Wilhelmshaven to wave goodbye as the ship navigates the canal locks. The sailor poetically inscribed the back with lines from Joseph von Eichendorff: "Gott will rechte Gunst erweisen... Emden III ab Wilhelmshv." (God wants to show true favor... Emden III departing Wilhelmshaven).
The Diplomatic Reception: (Mid-November 1926): Taken at the ship's very first international port of call in Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Canary Islands. Captures the crew standing at attention on deck with the volcanic island landscape in the background. Inscribed: "St. Cruz. Der span. Gouv. u. s. G. geht von Bord / Emden" (Santa Cruz. The Spanish Governor and his entourage go off board / Emden).
The Shore Excursion: (Late November 1926): A wonderful candid shot of the German sailors on shore leave riding camels alongside locals. Inscribed: "Reise in d. Lavafeldern des „Montaña de Fuego“ / Kreuzer „Emden III“ Weltreise" (Trip into the lava fields of the Fire Mountain / Cruiser Emden III World Voyage).
Condition Report: The cards are in excellent vintage condition for paper items over 100 years old. They are unposted with no postal cancellations. The photographic surfaces show excellent contrast, clear details, and minimal silvering. Corners are structurally sharp with only minor edge wear consistent with album storage. No major creases, tears, or heavy water staining. Please review the high-resolution scans of both fronts and backs carefully to evaluate the condition for yourself.Shipping & HandlingShips securely tracked in archival-safe protective sleeves and a rigid cardboard mailer to ensure safe arrival.International shipping available via International Shipping Program.
If you require further pictures or have any questions please ask. Will be well packed before being sent.
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