This is a rare WW2 German Third Reich postcard handwritten and signed by Albrecht Bethe ("Ihre Bethe's"), the famous world renowned German physiologist and father of Nobel Prizewinning Manhattan Project physicist Hans Bethe, to Jewish refugee Dr. Ernst Fischer in Richmond, Va.
Mailed just three months after the outbreak of World War II, this card represents a rare, heavily censored window of communication between an anti-Nazi German scientist and his exiled Jewish colleague. Bethe updates Fischer that he is still working "at the Institute" and notes that the postcard is meant to be a "sign of life" for the holidays.
Albrecht Bethe (who was not Jewish but was previously married to a Jewish woman, Anna Kuhn) chose to stay behind in Germany to help Jewish colleagues and friends. He was later forcibly retired by the Nazis because of his ex wife's background and his son's emigration.
German postcard translated to:
Frankfurt am Main, December 19, 1939
Dear Fischers!
You should receive at least a sign of life from us for Christmas, even though it will probably not reach you until the end of January. These two [referring to Bethe’s children on the front] wish you all the best for 1940, and we parents do the same. We are all doing well. We also have plenty to do—my wife in the house, and I at the Institute. Once again, warm regards.
Yours,
The Bethes.
[Picture postcard info/ Children of Bethe & 2nd Wife]:
• The Girl on the Right: This is Doris Bethe (born in 1933). Around 6 years old. She actually grew up to become a prominent German athlete, winning the German Gymnastics Festival championship in 1953 and competing in the World Gymnastics Championships in Rome in 1954.
• The Boy on the Left: This is Klaus Bethe who would have been about 5 years old when this picture was taken.
Addressed to: Professor Dr. Ernst Fischer at 1412 Bellevue Ave, Richmond, VA. Dr. Fischer was a Jewish physiologist who worked closely under Albrecht Bethe at the University of Frankfurt. After being stripped of his position by the Nazi regime in 1933, Dr. Fischer fled to the United States with Bethe's assistance, eventually teaching at the Medical College of Virginia. Dr. Fischer is also the son of prominent German art collectors Ludwig and Rosy Fischer. In 2009, after the passing of his widow Anne, the Fischer collection of art was accessioned into the Virginia Museum of Fine Art where it remains one of the most important collections of German Expressionist art that exists in the world.
POSTAL MARKINGS:
Features two intact Third Reich Hindenburg stamps (5pf and 10pf).
Sharp, legible "Frankfurt am Main" circular date stamps.
German wartime slogan censorship stamp overlaying the address text.
Clear handwritten return address:
Frankfurt a/M, Holbeinstr. 56.
CONDITION:
Excellent vintage condition. The handwriting remains dark, crisp, and completely legible. Edges and corners show minor toning consistent with transatlantic wartime transit. Please see high-resolution photos for exact condition.
A remarkable piece for collectors of
WWII postal history, the history of modern science, or Judaica/holocaust emigration archives. Shipped fast and securely in a protective sleeve!
Thanks for looking!
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