Germany, Imperial. A Saxon-Ernestine Commander’s Cross II Class Document to Corvette Captain (later Rear Admiral) Karpf, 1907

The Commander’s Cross 2nd Class of the Saxon-Ernestine House Order certificate is named to Corvette Captain Karpf, commander of the small cruiser “München”. It is dated to Callenberg near Coburg on July 15, 1907 and signed in black ink “von Schack”. Measuring 222 mm (w) x 285 mm (h), presenting two folding creases with two minor rips along them, and light fraying of the edges, remains very fine.

Footnote: Johannes von Karpf was born on October 17, 1867 in Dörmitz (northern Germany). He joined the Imperial Navy in 1887. The highest rank he would hold was that of Konteradmiral (rear admiral). Karpf served as Flügeladjutant (aide-de-camp) to Emperor Wilhelm II and commanded his yachts “Iduna” and “Hohenzollern”. In 1913, the emperor knighted and ennobled him. During the First War, Karpf was awarded both classes of the Iron Cross. After the war, he sat on the board of directors of several shipping companies in Hamburg. He died on December 16, 1941. Among his awards were the Red Eagle Order 3rd Class with Bow and Crown, the Knight’s Cross of the Order of Hohenzollern with Swords, the Knight’s Cross 2nd Class of the Order of the Zähringer Lion, and the Knight’s Cross 2nd Class of the Order of the White Falcon.