Framed Iron Cross Second Class Award Document – 1. Garde-Reserve-Regiment, 1914

A rare, framed 1914 Iron Cross Second Class award certificate issued to a soldier of the prestigious 1. Garde-Reserve-Regiment. Still housed in its original dark wood frame, this early-war Urkunde (certificate) represents a poignant piece of Prussian military history—made even more compelling by the handwritten wartime inscription preserved on the reverse.

Historical Context

The Iron Cross (Eisernes Kreuz) was among the most iconic military decorations of the German Empire, re-instituted by Kaiser Wilhelm II at the outbreak of World War I in August 1914. This particular award was issued to a "Unteroffizier der Landwehr" (non-commissioned reserve infantryman) named Ludwig Rüttig, a member of the 7th Company, 1st Garde-Reserve-Regiment.

The 1. Garde-Reserve-Regiment belonged to the elite Prussian Guards Corps (Garde-Korps) and was considered one of the most prestigious infantry units in the Imperial Army. The certificate, dated 7 September 1914, is extraordinarily early in the war—likely issued after the regiment’s action during the Battle of the Marne, one of the defining campaigns of the Western Front.

The award was granted specifically for “Tapferkeit vor dem Feinde”—“bravery before the enemy”—underscoring the personal valor of the recipient in a critical stage of the conflict.

Physical Description

• Type: Official printed Iron Cross 2nd Class Urkunde

• Recipient: Unteroffizier der Landwehr Ludwig Rüttig

• Unit: 7. Kompanie, 1. Garde-Reserve-Regiment

• Date: 7 September 1914

• Signature Line: “Oberstleutnant und Regiments-Kommandeur” (hand-signed, partially faded)

• Size (framed): Approx. 13 x 14 inches

• Frame: Period dark wood frame with mitered corners, original glass

• Reverse: Back of frame includes a handwritten 1915 dedication or memorial inscription, partially visible in old German script

Condition

The certificate shows age-related toning, gentle foxing, and faint waviness but remains completely legible with clear Iron Cross insignia and regiment details. Handwriting is period ink, lightly faded but intact. The frame is structurally sound with moderate edge wear, consistent with age. Rear paper liner is brittle and fragmentary but still retains several lines of handwritten dedication—likely added by a family member or comrade in 1915.

Provenance

Private U.S. collection. The handwritten reverse inscription reads in part:

"Wiedemar, den 25. August 1915 … zur Erinnerung an … Feldzug"
Suggesting it was reframed or gifted as a commemorative piece during the second year of the war, possibly after the soldier's death or as a token of survival.