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Inscription: "Szefostwo Fortyfikacji Grudziądz". The city/fortress was German/Prussian pre 1919 when it became Polish. During the Napoleonic invasion in Prussia in 1806/07, the fortress was successfully defended by General Wilhelm René de l'Homme de Courbière against attacks by French troops. Here is a picture of German troops taking the city in September 1939: http://www.bridgemanart.com/en-GB/asset/348037/german-photographer-20th-century/civilians-greet-german-soldiers-on-their-entry-into-graudenz-4th-september-1939-b-w-photo

Here is a farewell present from his fellow officers of the 3. Grade Feldartillerie-Regiment in form of a silver dish engraved with all their arms. Those who were not noble and/or did not have arms just added their monograms. Karl von Normann-Ehrenfels died as commander oft the Feldartillerie-Regiment „König Karl“ (1. Württembergisches) Nr. 13 at the beginning of WWI. His other biographical/career data can be seen on the last scan. An almost identical piece is known for Generalfeldmarschall Werner von Brauchitsch (1881-1948): http://www.huesken.com/shop/de/persoenlichkeiten-des-iii-reiches/werner-brauchitsch-silberteller-41769.html

In this article (in German) Alexander Demandt, a German historian at the Free University of Berlin is asking the very same question. He suggests that there would have been an “exhaustion peace” in 1917: http://www.welt.de/kultur/history/article12178229/Wenn-die-USA-den-Ersten-Weltkrieg-gemieden-haetten.html He also refers to Winston Churchill who according to the New York Enquirer has said literally in 1936: "America should have minded her own business and stayed out of the World War. If you hadn't entered the war the Allies would have made peace with Germany in the Spring of 1917. Had we made peace then there would have been no collapse in Russia followed by Communism, no breakdown in Italy followed by Fascism, and Germany would not have signed the Versailles Treaty, which has enthroned Nazism in Germany. If America had stayed out of the war, all these 'isms' wouldn't today be sweeping the continent of Europe and breaking down parliamentary government - and if England had made peace early in 1917, it would have saved over one million British, French, American, and other lives."

I can only add two promotion documents of Kapitänleutnant Rudolf Andler, commander of U 98, one signed by the Kaiser. SM U-98 was one of the 329 submarines serving in the Imperial German Navy in World War I. U-98 was engaged in the naval warfare and took part in the First Battle of the Atlantic. He was awarded with the iron cross 2nd class on Jan 8 1916. WWI U-boat Successes (uboat.net) 24 Mar 1918 Anchoria (d.) 5,430 br 26 May 1918 Janvold 1,366 nw 14 Jul 1918 Maurice 164 fr 31 Jul 1918 Alkor 269 nw i.e. 3 ships sunk (1,799 tons) and 1 ship damaged (5,430 tons). Career - "Hay" (Hafenfl. d. Jade/Weser), Komdt. 9.14, - "Markgraf" W. u. R. Offz., 4.17, - U-Boots Schule, Ausb., 10.17, - "U 57" (II), Ausb., 12.17, - "U 98" (IV) Komdt. Awards Allerhöchste Belobigung Fähnrich zur See 1906, 10.23. für vorzügliche Kenntnisse in der Seeoffizierprüfung Pr. Rettungsmedaille am Bande Leutnant zur See 1908, 05.21. KÖNIG WILHELM Allerhöchste Belobigung Oberleutnant zur See 1912, 11.18. Schiffsartillerieschule, Lehrer Pr. Eisernes Kreuz 1914 II. Kl. Kapitänleutnant 1916, 08.01.R MARKGRAF, Wachoffizier Württb. Friedrichs-O. Ritterkreuz 1. Kl. m. Schw. Kapitänleutnant 1916, 08.01.R MARKGRAF, Wachoffizier Ubootkriegsabzeichen 1918 Kapitänleutnant 1918, 02.01.S U 57 und U 98, Kommandant Ritterkreuz 1.Kl. m. Schw. Hausorden vom Weißen Falken. (Thanks to jaba the hunt and roli56 for additional Information)

Here is a staff captain promotion certicate for the Hessian mercennary Johann Konrad Schraidt dated 25 may 1781. It is signed by Frederick II, Landgrave of Hesse-Kassel from 1760 to 1785 who raised money by renting soldiers (called "Hessians") to Great Britain to help fight the American Revolutionary War. His military career is quite well recorded: http://www.lagis-hessen.de/en/subjects/xsrec/id/18572/current/57/page/3/sn/hetrina?q=YToxOntzOjg6InNpZ25hdHVyIjtzOjEwOiIxNSBOci4gMzUzIjt9 However, the record stops in 1783 and we do not know whether he returned to Hesse or what happened to him.

I am afraid there was no real chance to save money. The unit just had "29" in the place of the "L" before 1913 (example for a captain/Rittmeister attached). Since Luitpold was just a prince regent (for both the mad kings Ludwig and Otto) his "L" would not have been entitled to wear the royal crown...

...I think the "L" actually stands for king Ludwig III. who took over in 1913. Here is an example for a Colonel.