This is an authentic, mid-century German sports award certificate (Ehrenurkunde) dating back to June 17, 1951. The document was awarded in Berlin-Lichterfelde to an athlete named Willi Peters for securing 1st place in a competitive swimming event. It features beautiful post-WWII German graphic design, utilizing a mix of bold blackletter (Fraktur) and clean serif typography typical of the era.

Visual & Design Details

Header Imagery: The top of the certificate features a stylized illustration of a classic ceremonial basin or chalice flanked by detailed oak leaf branches with acorns (a traditional German symbol of strength and achievement). Above the basin is a geometric, cross-like emblem with radiating lines.

Central Insignia: A prominent, circled letter "L" is centered just above the main text, likely representing the local Lichterfelde sports association.

Condition & Aesthetics: The document shows authentic vintage character with light, natural aging, minor toning, and small foxing spots along the margins (primarily visible near the top left and right edges). The edges are clean with no major tears, making it highly suitable for framing.

Detailed Transcription & Historical Context

The text on the certificate provides rich context for collectors tracking local Berlin history or specific sports clubs:

Title: Ehrenurkunde (Certificate of Honor)

Recipient: Willi Peters

Club/Affiliation: Berliner Wasserratten e.V. 1889 (A historic Berlin swimming club founded in 1889)

Event: Schwimmfest im Sommerbad Lichterfelde (Swimming festival at the Lichterfelde outdoor summer pool)

Discipline: Brustschwimmen, männl. Jgd. - 4 Bahnen, Gr. B, Kl. 3 (Breaststroke, male youth - 4 laps, Group B, Class 3)

Achievement: den 1. Platz in 1,17,8 min (1st Place with a time of 1 minute, 17.8 seconds)

Date & Location: Berlin-Lichterfelde, den 17. Juni 1951

Issuing Organization: Turn- und Sport-Vereinigung Lichterfelde e.V. (Lichterfelde Gymnastics and Sports Association)

Signatures: Features two original, handwritten fountain pen signatures at the bottom from the 1. Vorsitzender (1st Chairman) and the Leiter der Schwimmabteilung (Head of the Swimming Department).