The Red Eagle Order 2nd Class with Oak Leaves certificate is named to Generalmajor Ernst von Oven, Commander of the 38h Infantry Brigade. Dated to Berlin on January 18, 1914. Measuring 209 mm (w) x 329 mm (h), presenting two folding creases and minimal scuffing of the edges, remains near extremely fine.
Footnote: Ernst Friedrich Otto von Oven was born on February 3, 1859 in the district of Hamm (Westphalia). He joined the Oldenburg Infantry Regiment No. 91 as an officer candidate in 1878 and was promoted to second lieutenant in 1880. After undergoing training at the War Academy, Oven served in the German General Staff, first as first lieutenant, then as Hauptmann (captain). He was promoted to Oberst (colonel) in 1908 and commanded Füsilier Regiment “General Feldmarschall Graf Moltke” (Silesian) No. 38, before being appointed commander of the 38th Infantry Brigade, part of the 19th Division in Hanover, in the rank of Generalmajor in 1912. When the First War began, Oven became commander of the 21st Division, invading France via Luxemburg. He was promoted to Generalleutnant in January of 1915. In 1916, Oven fought at Verdun and later at the Somme. He was transferred to the eastern front in early 1917 to lead the 21st Army Corps. In late 1917, the Corps was stationed at the western front once more. Oven was wounded during defensive battles in the Verdun area, but kept command of his unit throughout this period. For successfully defending his position, he was awarded the Pour le Mérite on October 25, 1918. Oven retired from active service as an acting General of the Infantry in September of 1919. He died in Goslar (Lower Saxony) on May 21, 1945.