Red Eagle Order 2nd Class Award Document Signed by King Wilhelm I of Prussia

This historically significant award document (Urkunde) pertains to the Red Eagle Order 2nd Class, signed by King Wilhelm I on January 18, 1863. It represents one of the earliest award documents available, surpassed only by documents for the 1813 Iron Cross 2nd Class signed by King Friedrich Wilhelm III, the grandfather of Wilhelm I.

Historical Context:

• King Wilhelm I: At the time of signing, Wilhelm I was the King of Prussia. He later became Kaiser Wilhelm I, the first Emperor of the German Empire.
• Dr. Albert Sigismund Jaspis: The recipient of this prestigious award, Dr. Jaspis (1809-1885), served as the Generalsuperintendent of Pommern in Stettin.

Document Details:

• Award: Red Eagle Order 2nd Class with Bow. The bow indicates the recipient was marked for potential future recognition with a higher class of the order.
• Date and Signature: Signed by King Wilhelm I on January 18, 1863.
• Format: The document’s format remained consistent with those used until the end of the German Empire in 1918.
• Condition: Despite its age, the document is well-preserved, showcasing the meticulous handwriting and official seal of the time.

Translation of Key Text:

The document is written in formal German script. Here is a translation of a key section of the text:

"Wir Wilhelm, von Gottes Gnaden König von Preußen etc., haben den Generalsuperintendenten der Provinz Pommern, Dr. Albert Sigismund Jaspis, mit dem Roten Adlerorden 2. Klasse mit Schleife ausgezeichnet. Gegeben zu Berlin, den 18. Januar 1863."

Translated to English: "We Wilhelm, by the Grace of God King of Prussia, etc., have awarded the Generalsuperintendent of the Province of Pomerania, Dr. Albert Sigismund Jaspis, with the Red Eagle Order 2nd Class with Bow. Given in Berlin, on the 18th of January, 1863."

Visual Details:

• Seal: The document features the embossed seal of the House of Hohenzollern.
• Signature: A large, flowing signature of King Wilhelm I is prominently displayed.

Historical Analysis: For more detailed military history and the significance of such awards, refer to The National WWI Museum and Memorial.

Related Recommendations:

• Movies:
  • All Quiet on the Western Front (1930)
  • Paths of Glory (1957)
• Games:
  • Supremacy 1914
  • Battlefield 1

Genealogy Resources:

• Ancestry
• MyHeritage

This award document is a remarkable piece of history, reflecting the era of King Wilhelm I and the traditions of the Prussian honor system. It is an exceptional addition to any collection of military and historical artifacts, providing a tangible connection to the past.