{"product_id":"wwi-prussian-iron-cross-2nd-class-amp-paul-sonnemann-award-document","title":"WWI Prussian Iron Cross 2nd Class \u0026 Paul Sonnemann Award Document","description":"\u003cp data-start=\"0\" data-end=\"69\" class=\"PDq2pG_selectionAnchorContainer\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"71\" data-end=\"351\"\u003eAn original and historically significant First World War Imperial German grouping consisting of a \u003cstrong data-start=\"169\" data-end=\"198\"\u003e1914 Iron Cross 2nd Class\u003c\/strong\u003e, its period black-and-white ribbon, and the original award document issued to \u003cstrong data-start=\"277\" data-end=\"350\"\u003eUnteroffizier der Landwehr Paul Sonnemann of Vermessungs-Abteilung 24\u003c\/strong\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"353\" data-end=\"702\"\u003eThe certificate was issued by the \u003cstrong data-start=\"387\" data-end=\"422\"\u003eArmee-Oberkommando der 4. Armee\u003c\/strong\u003e, or \u003cstrong data-start=\"427\" data-end=\"471\"\u003eArmy High Command of the German 4th Army\u003c\/strong\u003e, on \u003cstrong data-start=\"476\" data-end=\"494\"\u003e1 October 1917\u003c\/strong\u003e. It records that Sonnemann received the Iron Cross 2nd Class in the name of Kaiser Wilhelm II through the authority of \u003cstrong data-start=\"614\" data-end=\"665\"\u003eGeneral der Infanterie Friedrich Sixt von Armin\u003c\/strong\u003e, Commander-in-Chief of the 4th Army.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"704\" data-end=\"858\"\u003eThis is an unusually well-documented, named grouping connected to one of the Imperial German Army’s specialized surveying and military-mapping formations.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 data-section-id=\"19he323\" data-start=\"860\" data-end=\"878\"\u003eThe Iron Cross\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"880\" data-end=\"1084\"\u003eThe full-size Iron Cross is of traditional multi-piece construction, with a dark magnetic iron center enclosed within a separate silver-colored frame bearing the characteristic finely ribbed inner border.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1086\" data-end=\"1208\"\u003eThe obverse displays the Prussian royal crown, the imperial cipher \u003cstrong data-start=\"1153\" data-end=\"1160\"\u003e“W”\u003c\/strong\u003e for Kaiser Wilhelm II, and the date \u003cstrong data-start=\"1197\" data-end=\"1208\"\u003e“1914.”\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1210\" data-end=\"1373\"\u003eThe reverse displays the crowned cipher \u003cstrong data-start=\"1250\" data-end=\"1258\"\u003e“FW”\u003c\/strong\u003e for King Friedrich Wilhelm III of Prussia, a central oak-leaf spray, and the original institution date \u003cstrong data-start=\"1362\" data-end=\"1373\"\u003e“1813.”\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1375\" data-end=\"1766\"\u003eThe reverse design deliberately connected the 1914 decoration with the Iron Cross instituted by Friedrich Wilhelm III during the Prussian struggle against Napoleonic France. Although originally a Prussian decoration, the Iron Cross became one of the most important military awards of the German Empire and could be conferred upon soldiers serving throughout the Imperial German armed forces.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1768\" data-end=\"2280\"\u003eThe cross remains suspended from its period black ribbon with white edge stripes. The ribbon is heavily service-worn, with fraying, small losses, age discoloration, and separated or weakened areas. The cross itself displays substantial age toning, oxidation to the iron core, scattered finish loss, and surface wear. The silver-colored frame retains good definition, including its finely ribbed borders, but exhibits dark patina and areas of discoloration. No maker mark has been observed on the suspension ring.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 data-section-id=\"1lmneeo\" data-start=\"2282\" data-end=\"2304\"\u003eRecipient and Unit\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"2306\" data-end=\"2337\"\u003eThe recipient is identified as:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"2339\" data-end=\"2407\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"2339\" data-end=\"2376\"\u003eUnteroffizier d.L. Paul Sonnemann\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr data-start=\"2376\" data-end=\"2379\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"2379\" data-end=\"2407\"\u003eVermessungs-Abteilung 24\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"2409\" data-end=\"2699\"\u003eThe abbreviation \u003cstrong data-start=\"2426\" data-end=\"2436\"\u003e“d.L.”\u003c\/strong\u003e stands for \u003cstrong data-start=\"2448\" data-end=\"2467\"\u003e“der Landwehr,”\u003c\/strong\u003e identifying Sonnemann as a noncommissioned officer of the Landwehr. The Landwehr formed an important component of the Imperial German reserve system and consisted largely of previously trained soldiers recalled for wartime service.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"2701\" data-end=\"3228\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"2701\" data-end=\"2729\"\u003eVermessungs-Abteilung 24\u003c\/strong\u003e translates as \u003cstrong data-start=\"2744\" data-end=\"2771\"\u003eSurveying Detachment 24\u003c\/strong\u003e or \u003cstrong data-start=\"2775\" data-end=\"2799\"\u003eSurvey Department 24\u003c\/strong\u003e. This was a specialized technical formation serving under the German 4th Army rather than an ordinary infantry or engineer unit. The detachment’s responsibilities would have included military surveying, measurement of terrain and elevations, preparation and correction of operational maps, plotting of defensive positions, and the production of geographic and technical information required by artillery and army command staffs.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"3230\" data-end=\"3763\"\u003eAccurate surveying was essential to First World War operations. Artillery batteries required reliable coordinates and elevation data, staff officers depended upon current maps of trench networks and defensive zones, and major headquarters needed precise geographic information for planning movements, defensive works, and offensive operations. Personnel assigned to such formations performed highly technical work, frequently close enough to the front to gather, verify, and update battlefield information under dangerous conditions.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 data-section-id=\"1knzuat\" data-start=\"3765\" data-end=\"3787\"\u003eHistorical Context\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"3789\" data-end=\"4069\"\u003eThe certificate was issued during one of the most intense periods of fighting faced by the German 4th Army. General Friedrich Sixt von Armin commanded the army in Flanders during 1917 and directed its defenses throughout the Third Battle of Ypres, commonly known as Passchendaele.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"4071\" data-end=\"4587\"\u003eThe award date of \u003cstrong data-start=\"4089\" data-end=\"4107\"\u003e1 October 1917\u003c\/strong\u003e places Sonnemann’s decoration during the difficult defensive fighting between the Battle of Polygon Wood and the Allied attack at Broodseinde on 4 October 1917. The certificate does not specify the particular action or service for which the Iron Cross was awarded. However, Sonnemann’s assignment to Vermessungs-Abteilung 24 suggests that the award may have recognized distinguished technical, surveying, cartographic, or operational service performed in support of the 4th Army.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"4589\" data-end=\"4776\"\u003eThe document is particularly desirable because it was issued through army-level command and specifically names General Sixt von Armin rather than only a regimental or battalion commander.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 data-section-id=\"1vw8ugq\" data-start=\"4778\" data-end=\"4802\"\u003eGerman Transcription\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"4804\" data-end=\"4841\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"4804\" data-end=\"4841\"\u003eArmee-Oberkommando\u003cbr data-start=\"4824\" data-end=\"4827\"\u003eder 4. Armee\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"4843\" data-end=\"4875\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"4843\" data-end=\"4875\"\u003eA.H.Qu., den 1. Oktober 1917\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"4877\" data-end=\"4930\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"4877\" data-end=\"4930\"\u003eIm Namen\u003cbr data-start=\"4887\" data-end=\"4890\"\u003eSeiner Majestät des Kaisers und Königs\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"4932\" data-end=\"5029\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"4932\" data-end=\"5029\"\u003ehaben\u003cbr data-start=\"4939\" data-end=\"4942\"\u003eSeine Exzellenz General der Infanterie Sixt v. Armin,\u003cbr data-start=\"4995\" data-end=\"4998\"\u003eOberbefehlshaber der 4. Armee\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"5031\" data-end=\"5047\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"5031\" data-end=\"5047\"\u003eam 1.10.1917\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"5049\" data-end=\"5090\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"5049\" data-end=\"5090\"\u003edem Unteroffizier d.L. Paul Sonnemann\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"5092\" data-end=\"5120\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"5092\" data-end=\"5120\"\u003eVermessungs-Abteilung 24\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"5122\" data-end=\"5154\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"5122\" data-end=\"5154\"\u003edas Eiserne Kreuz II. Klasse\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"5156\" data-end=\"5200\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"5156\" data-end=\"5200\"\u003everliehen, was hiermit bescheinigt wird.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"5202\" data-end=\"5225\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"5202\" data-end=\"5225\"\u003eV.S.d.A.O.K.\u003cbr data-start=\"5216\" data-end=\"5219\"\u003eA.B.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"5227\" data-end=\"5252\"\u003e\u003cem data-start=\"5227\" data-end=\"5252\"\u003e[Handwritten signature]\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"5254\" data-end=\"5276\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"5254\" data-end=\"5276\"\u003eMajor und Adjutant\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"5278\" data-end=\"5304\"\u003eThe lower left is printed:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"5306\" data-end=\"5328\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"5306\" data-end=\"5328\"\u003eDruckerei A.O.K. 4\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"5330\" data-end=\"5362\"\u003eThe circular command seal reads:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"5364\" data-end=\"5394\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"5364\" data-end=\"5394\"\u003eOberkommando der IV. Armee\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 data-section-id=\"pn9830\" data-start=\"5396\" data-end=\"5424\"\u003eFull English Translation\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"5426\" data-end=\"5465\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"5426\" data-end=\"5465\"\u003eArmy High Command\u003cbr data-start=\"5445\" data-end=\"5448\"\u003eof the 4th Army\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"5467\" data-end=\"5504\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"5467\" data-end=\"5504\"\u003eArmy Headquarters, 1 October 1917\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"5506\" data-end=\"5560\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"5506\" data-end=\"5560\"\u003eIn the name of\u003cbr data-start=\"5522\" data-end=\"5525\"\u003eHis Majesty the Emperor and King,\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"5562\" data-end=\"5654\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"5562\" data-end=\"5654\"\u003eHis Excellency General of Infantry Sixt von Armin,\u003cbr data-start=\"5614\" data-end=\"5617\"\u003eCommander-in-Chief of the 4th Army,\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"5656\" data-end=\"5677\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"5656\" data-end=\"5677\"\u003eon 1 October 1917\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"5679\" data-end=\"5742\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"5679\" data-end=\"5742\"\u003eawarded to Landwehr Noncommissioned Officer Paul Sonnemann,\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"5744\" data-end=\"5772\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"5744\" data-end=\"5772\"\u003eSurveying Detachment 24,\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"5774\" data-end=\"5804\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"5774\" data-end=\"5804\"\u003ethe Iron Cross, 2nd Class,\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"5806\" data-end=\"5836\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"5806\" data-end=\"5836\"\u003ewhich is hereby certified.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"5838\" data-end=\"6030\"\u003eThe document concludes with printed Army High Command staff abbreviations, the handwritten signature of a \u003cstrong data-start=\"5944\" data-end=\"5966\"\u003eMajor and Adjutant\u003c\/strong\u003e, and the official seal of the \u003cstrong data-start=\"5997\" data-end=\"6029\"\u003eHigh Command of the 4th Army\u003c\/strong\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"6032\" data-end=\"6229\"\u003eThe exact administrative expansion of the printed abbreviation \u003cstrong data-start=\"6095\" data-end=\"6120\"\u003e“V.S.d.A.O.K. \/ A.B.”\u003c\/strong\u003e has not been positively established and is therefore retained as printed rather than expanded speculatively.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"6231\" data-end=\"6445\"\u003eThe handwritten blue signature is only partially legible and has not been conclusively attributed. Collectors familiar with the signatures of the 4th Army command staff may be able to identify the signing adjutant.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 data-section-id=\"7gfn64\" data-start=\"6447\" data-end=\"6486\"\u003eDocument Construction and Condition\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"6488\" data-end=\"6721\"\u003eThe award certificate is a large-format, horizontally oriented printed document completed with typed recipient, unit, and date information. It retains the official circular 4th Army command seal and a bold blue handwritten signature.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"6723\" data-end=\"7022\"\u003eThe document exhibits original horizontal and vertical storage folds, age toning, scattered foxing and staining, handling wear, light edge wear, and minor creasing. The paper remains complete, the principal printed and typed information is clearly legible, and the command seal remains well defined.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"7024\" data-end=\"7270\"\u003eThe Iron Cross and ribbon display considerably more wear than the document. The oxidation, finish loss, patina, and heavily worn ribbon give the grouping an unquestionably field-used and untouched appearance. Nothing has been cleaned or restored.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 data-section-id=\"lu3byr\" data-start=\"7272\" data-end=\"7296\"\u003eCollector Assessment\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"7298\" data-end=\"7598\"\u003eNamed Iron Cross groupings retaining both the decoration and original award certificate are considerably more desirable than loose, unattributed examples. This grouping is further distinguished by its connection to \u003cstrong data-start=\"7513\" data-end=\"7541\"\u003eVermessungs-Abteilung 24\u003c\/strong\u003e, a specialized 4th Army surveying and mapping formation.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"7600\" data-end=\"7981\"\u003eThe combination of a named recipient, army-level award certificate, Sixt von Armin attribution, technical-unit association, original ribbon, official command seal, and period signature makes this a compelling research and display grouping for collectors of Imperial German awards, First World War documents, German technical troops, military cartography, and the Flanders campaign.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"7983\" data-end=\"7994\" data-is-last-node=\"\" data-is-only-node=\"\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Derrittmeister Militaria Group","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":50191415935215,"sku":"06-244","price":325.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0662\/9169\/5855\/files\/06-244_1_372da514-802c-40cf-9aea-320e985cdeea.jpg?v=1784236312","url":"https:\/\/derrittmeister.com\/products\/wwi-prussian-iron-cross-2nd-class-amp-paul-sonnemann-award-document","provider":"Derrittmeister Militaria Group","version":"1.0","type":"link"}