A Non-Combatant Iron Cross with Award Documents to German Industrialist

Date of item: 1906-20. Condition: very good. Measurements: Iron Cross 2nd Class: 4.2 x 4.2 cm. Documents: ranging from 21 x 16.3 to 21 x 33.5 cm. Not much is known about Wilhelm Buschfeld (1873–1936). He was a German industrialist who worked for the Krupp Company, from 1910 to 1926 as director of the Germania shipyard in Kiel. It was one of the largest and most important builders of U-boats for Germany in both WWI and WWII.

Certificate of ownership of the Landwehr-Dienstauszeichnung (Home Guard Service Award) 2nd Class for Vizefeldwebel (Vice Sergeant) of the Home Guard Infantry, Wilhelm Buschfeld from Mönchengladbach. Stamped and signed in Gotha, March 15th, 1906 by Oberstleutnant (Lieutenant Colonel) and District Commander Richard von Kräwel (1861–1943).

Certificate of ownership, stating that his majesty the King of Prussia has awarded Werftinspektor (shipyard superintendent) Wilhelm Buschfeld at the Germaniawerft in Kiel the Verdienstkreuz für Kriegshilfe (Merit Cross for War Aid). It is dated to Berlin, Mar 7th, 1917, and carries a facsimile of Hofmarschall Georg von Kanitz (1842–1922). On the back it says: Issued, Berlin, May 17th 1918.

Preliminary certificate of ownership for director Wilhelm Buschfeld, stating that he has been awarded the Merit Cross for War Aid on Mar 24th, 1917. It carries a facsimile of State Secretary of the Reich Navy Department Admiral Eduard von Capelle (1855–1931).

Certificate for director Wilhelm Buschfeld from the military chancellery of the Grand Duke of Oldenburg, stating that the Grand Duke has awarded him the Friedrich August Cross 2nd Class with Red & Blue Ribbon. The letter is accompanying the sending of the medal. It is dated to Sep 12th, 1917 and signed by Colonel and Aide-de-Camp Jordan.

An answer letter from the president of the police of Kiel, that states that Buschfeld is authorized to accept and carry the Friedrich August Cross 2nd Class. It is dated to Feb 17th, 1918.

Award certificate for Werftdirektor Wilhelm Busch in Kiel, stating that he was awarded the Red Cross Medal 3rd Class by his Majesty the King of Prussia. Dated to Berlin, Nov 18th, 1917, once more with a facsimile by Georg von Kanitz. On the back it states that it was issued in Kiel on Mar 14th, 1919.

The accompanying letter that was sent with the Red Cross Medal from the Territorial-Delegierter der freiwilligen Krankenpflege (Territorial Delegate of Voluntary Care of the Sick), dated Jan 16th, 1918.

Another accompanying letter for the Red Cross Medal by the Mayor of Kiel, dated Jan 19th, 1918. Signed by mayor Paul Lindemann (1871–1924).

Award certificate by Emperor of Austria, awarding Wilhelm Buschfeld the Officer’s Cross of the Imperial Austrian Franz Joseph Order with War Decoration. The decision was made on Jan 5th, 1918, the letter is dated to Vienna, Jan 11th, 1918. It is signed by a member of the Obersthofmeisteramt, Kellen. The certificate also carries the statutes of the order.

The accompanying letter for the Officer’s Cross of the Franz Joseph Order, sent on Jan 31st, 1918 by the Navy Attaché of the Imperial and Royal Embassy in Berlin, Colloredo-Mannsfeld.

An answer letter from the president of the police of Kiel, that states that Buschfeld is authorized to accept and carry the Officer’s Cross of the Imperial and Royal Franz Joseph Order with War Decoration and Turkish Iron Crescent. It is dated to Aug 26th, 1918.

Certificate of ownership, stating that Buschfeld was awarded the Iron Cross 2nd Class, dated to Berlin, Feb 13th, 1920, carrying the facsimile of Georg von Kanitz.