Prussia – Patent – Hauptman Promotion – Signed by Prussia’s König Friedrich Wilhelm IV

In Prussia, promotion patents were presented to officers on the occasion of their elevation. This historical document was presented to an Artillerie Hauptmann by König Friedrich Wilhelm IV. The promotion patent is an elaborate document, measuring 14 ½” x 8 7/8″ before it is unfolded. When fully open, it measures 14 ½” x 16,” providing four pages, each 14 ½” x 8 7/8,” on which to write the pertinent information. During the time period of this document, royal court scribes produced these beautiful papers, along with urkunden (award documents for orders and decorations).

This document commemorates the promotion of Hermann von Amsberg, who served in Feldartillerie-Regiment Prinzregent Luitpold von Bayern Nr 4. He was promoted from Premier Lieutenant (later known as oberleutnant) to Hauptmann on 22 June 1852. The document was signed at Sanssouci, the Potsdam castle modeled on the French castle at Versailles. The latter was built by Frederick the Great, a great admirer of French culture. The document is boldly signed by König Friedrich Wilhelm IV (1796-1861), with the House of Hohenzollern’s embossed royal seal directly below his large signature.

Friedrich Wilhelm IV was the son of Friedrich Wilhelm III (1770–1840), Prussia’s King throughout the Napoleonic Wars and the founder of the Iron Cross. Friedrich Wilhelm IV was Wilhelm I’s older brother. Friedrich Wilhelm suffered a stroke in 1857 that left him physically and mentally unable to continue his duties. Wilhelm I assumed the duties of a Regent, replacing his ailing brother until Friedrich Wilhelm IV's death in 1861. At that point, Wilhelm I became King of Prussia. Under the guidance of Wilhelm I, Otto von Bismarck (the Iron Chancellor), and Helmuth von Moltke, Germany's path to unification under Prussian control and its emergence as a true European power was inevitable.

This remarkable document, over one hundred sixty years old, is in excellent condition and serves as a tangible piece of history, offering insight into Prussian military history and the significant figures who shaped it.

1. • For more information on the House of Hohenzollern: House of Hohenzollern
   • Learn about the Iron Cross instituted by Friedrich Wilhelm III: Iron Cross History

Translation of Document Text:

"Nachdem Seine Königliche Majestät von Preußen"
[After His Royal Majesty of Prussia]

"Patent als Hauptmann im 4ten Artillerie Regiment"
[Patent as Captain in the 4th Artillery Regiment]

"Sanssouci, am 22ten Juni 1852"
[Sanssouci, on June 22, 1852]

"Friedrich Wilhelm IV"
[Friedrich Wilhelm IV]

Page 1:

"After His Royal Majesty of Prussia, My Faithful Premier Lieutenant of the 4th Artillery Regiment, Mr. Hermann von Amsberg,

Patent as Hauptmann in the aforementioned regiment approved with grace to be promoted,

That from All-Highest Theirself such to be appointed and in ...

Hauptmann von Amsberg.

That His Royal Majesty They graciously commanded."

Page 2:

"It was graciously undersigned and with ...

Sanssouci, the 22nd of June 1852. R.Z.

Friedrich Wilhelm."

This exceptional document would make a significant addition to any collection of historical documents and artifacts, offering a tangible connection to Prussian military history and the key figures who played crucial roles in shaping it.