Succession of Kolbe

CHEHARDY, Chief Judge.

This is a dispute between two legatees over the construction of a testamentary provision. The testator, Reinhard R. Kolbe, left a valid olographic will written in the German language. The parties agree the following is a correct translation of the dispositive portion:

“In the event of my death, Mr. Helge Petersen, 2-Hamburg 50, Jessenstr. 14, Telephone 38 7350, shall be my sole heir (H.P. is my deceased wife’s son from her first marriage). Mr. Petersen shall transfer $10,000 to my secretary, Miss Marie Vinterella.” (Emphasis added.)

Petersen and Dan J. Olave, as dative…