WW2 Nazi German 1943 Third Reich Vulkan-Verlag Welding Industry Letter Document Signed Heil Hitler!

Offered here is an original WWII-era German business and industrial document from Vulkan-Verlag Dr. W. Classen, located at the Haus der Technik in Essen. The letter concerns wartime German welding technology, steel and iron production, technical training, and the second edition of Karl Tewes’ technical book “Stahl und Eisen beim Schweißen” (Steel and Iron in Welding).

The document is especially interesting because the letterhead lists several contemporary Essen financial institutions, including the Bank der Deutschen Arbeit, and the letter concludes with the period political salutation “Heil Hitler!”, followed by “VULKAN-VERLAG Dr. W. CLASSEN.” A handwritten signature or authorization appears directly beneath the publisher’s name.

The book advertised in this letter can be independently documented as a 1943 Vulkan-Verlag Dr. W. Classen publication by Dr.-Ing. Karl Tewes, with approximately 223–224 pages.

English Translation / Content Summary

The letter opens:

“Dear Sirs!”

It states that complete commitment is the order of the day and that nothing should be neglected that could contribute to strengthening Germany’s wartime economy (Wehrwirtschaft). It specifically mentions improving manufacturing methods, conserving raw materials, and instructing and training workers, emphasizing that these considerations apply particularly strongly to welding technology.

Vulkan-Verlag then announces the second edition of:

“Stahl und Eisen beim Schweißen”
Steel and Iron in Welding

by Dr.-Ing. Karl Tewes.

The letter describes it as a technical and metallurgical foundation for professional welders, consisting of 224 pages with 94 illustrations and numerical tables, priced at RM 6.80.

It states that the first edition had sold out after only two months, which the publisher presents as evidence of the considerable demand for the subject. According to the letter, the revised second edition incorporated updated material classifications, standards and current welding regulations.

The publisher closes by explaining that only a very limited number of copies remained available and requests that orders be placed immediately.

At the bottom is the distinctly period closing:

“Heil Hitler!”
VULKAN-VERLAG
Dr. W. CLASSEN

followed by the handwritten signature/notation.

Interestingly, the technical work itself continued to be published after the war; archival holdings document a third edition published in Essen in 1948, demonstrating the continuing importance of Tewes’ welding reference beyond the wartime period.

Condition

Original period document with horizontal and vertical fold lines from mailing/storage, age toning, edge wear, minor tears and small losses along the lower edge. Printing and typewritten text remain quite clear and legible. The handwritten signature/notation remains present at the lower right. Please examine all photographs carefully for exact condition.

An excellent piece of WWII German industrial and technical history, particularly interesting for its references to the wartime economy, conservation of materials, worker training, welding technology, Bank der Deutschen Arbeit, Vulkan-Verlag and its period political closing.

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