Estate turns out to be a treasure trove - unknown material on Alfred von Tirpitz discovered at the DSM

An inconspicuous box has turned out to be a historical treasure: Previously unknown material relating to Grand Admiral Alfred von Tirpitz has been discovered in the archives of the German Maritime Museum (DSM) / Leibniz Institute of Maritime History. Photos, notes and prints provide new insights into the life of one of the most influential personalities of the Imperial Navy - and surprise even experts.

DSM archivist Dr. Christian Ostersehlte carefully lifts the protective paper and uncovers historical photographs, handwritten notes and prints. "The estate includes photographs from various phases of Tirpitz's life. Particularly exciting are photos that apparently document his time as a developer of the torpedo weapon," explains Ostersehlte.

One photograph arouses particular interest: It apparently shows Tirpitz together with Prince Heinrich, the emperor's brother. “Apparently he accompanied him on a trip to the USA in 1902 - I hadn't known that before,” says Ostersehlte, who had already come into contact with Tirpitz's biography during his studies and learned a surprising fact from the photo.

The materials come from the private collection of Prof. Dr. Michael Epkenhans, a renowned naval historian who used the estate back in 2008 and published several biographies about Tirpitz. When information about a ship model was being researched in 2016 as part of the redesign of the Cog Hall, the contents of the box were inspected more closely and the treasure was discovered.

“Now it's time for research,” says Ostersehlte. The archival documents need to be systematically evaluated and in some cases restored. “For historians working on Tirpitz or interested in the naval history of the German Empire, the material is a real stroke of luck.”

DSM Director Prof. Dr. Ruth Schilling also sees great potential: "The concept of our new permanent exhibition in the Scharoun Building includes a focus on the First World War. The history of the Imperial Navy and the role of Tirpitz's naval policy will play a role there, among other things." Some of the newly discovered materials will be on display in the exhibition in the future - provided that the renovation of the Scharoun Building starts soon. The director hopes that construction will start soon.

Schilling is convinced: “Tirpitz remains a key figure in maritime historiography - and his documents will reignite academic interest.” The strategic view of the sea is not only historical, but also highly topical today.

The restoration of the estate is being financially supported by the DSM's Friends' Association.