(1891 - 1980) German admiral who headed the U-Boat arm of the German Navy, later succeeded Hitler as Fuehrer after Hitler's suicide. Superb war-date I.S.P. in an exceptionally rare presentation frame, 13 3/4" x 18 1/2" overall, a 7 3/4" x 10 3/4" photo of Donitz showing him half-length in uniform with his baton in hand, looking slightly to his right. The inscription was penned by Donitz on a separate 13" x 4 3/4" sheet of heavier stock and affixed to the bottom of the photo, reading: "Korvettenkapitan Poske in thankful recognition and in faithful camaraderie Donitz 27.10.43 Grossadmiral and Commander in Chief of the Kriegsmarine". The photo and inscription are set into a silver presentation frame with 5/8" hand-hammerd borders with a small set of crossed batons at top which each bear Maltese Crosses and anchors, as does Donitz's baton. The reverse of the frame bears a maroon faux leather finish, the easel stand is detached and missing. The inscription bears a 1" tear at bottom intruding into the admiral's rank, but otherwise this item is in fine condition. Of course, it is impossible to determine if the item was presented in this form, or if Poske received the dedication seperately from the photo and matched the two pieces together. Nevertheless, the photo, presentation frame and fine association inscription are rare and highly desirable. HANS-GEORG "FRITZ" POSKE (1904-1984) commanded U-504 on several patrols and was a Knight's Cross recipient. He also commanded the Grille, Hitler's state yacht. He sank 15 vessels in North American waters, and was transferred off the submarine just before she was sunk by British depth charges on July 31, 1943.