Item description:Item description.For your consideration?
Overview
This is a beautifully preserved, museum-quality piece of 19th-century German-American religious folk Americana. Dating back to 1882, this is an original Evangelical Protestant Confirmation Certificate from St. Martini Church in Cincinnati, Ohio. The piece remains completely unaltered and unmolested, secured within its original folk-art carved wooden frame behind its original antique wavy glass.
Key Features & Construction
The structural integrity and historical authenticity of this piece are outstanding:
Original Backing: The reverse features a heavy, single-piece wooden backing board exhibiting deep, authentic oxidation and natural wood grain aging.
Original Wavy Glass: Protected by its period-correct hand-blown wavy glass, showing the charming, characteristic distortions of late-19th-century glassmaking.
Folk Art Frame: Housed in its gorgeous, original dark wood frame adorned with distinctively carved corner accents.
Unmolested Condition: The piece has never been removed, altered, or restored, retaining its original assembly line of nails and structural aging.
Document Details & Translation
The certificate honors Wilhelm Brüstle, who was born in Warsaw Township on August 28, 1869. The central document text and religious verses translate from the original German to English as follows:
Main Certificate Text:
"In Memory of the Day of Confirmation. Wilhelm Brüstle, born the 28th of August 1869 in Warsaw Township, after receiving instruction in the Word of God according to the Evangelical Protestant Catechism on Palm Sunday 1882 in the St. Martini Church at Cincinnati, has been confirmed. By your pastor, E. Guentrum, Pastor."
Center Handwritten Inscription:
Psalm 61, Verse 6: "You, God, hear my vow; you reward those well who fear your name. Oh Lord, teach me to live holily and always strive for the good!"
Bottom Center Motto (Denkspruch):
John 8, Verses 31 & 32: "If you aoffere in my word, then you are my true disciples; and you will know the truth, and the truth will make you free."
Historical Printing Information:
The bottom margin reveals its authentic New York publication roots:
Printer: Printed by Cherouny & Kienle, 17–27 Vandewater Street, New York.
Distribution: Available through Reverend John S. Oerter (248 West 40th Street, New York) and Reverend F.W. Geyer (82 2nd Street, New York).
Condition Report
The piece shows beautiful, authentic time-earned patina. The certificate displays light, natural foxing, and minor water-spotting primarily along the lower edge, which adds immense character to its historical aesthetic. The frame is structurally sound, and the backing board is tight and intact. This is an incredible find for collectors of Ohio regional history, German-Americana, or 19th-century religious folk art.
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