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Frederick the Great
Page 4
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Beautiful Porcelain Figure of the Great Prussian King as Musician Extraordinaire (Item FRED 4-1) |
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| DESCRIPTION: Frederick the Great is known to be one of the greatest military geniuses of all time. He was also the archetype of the enlightened ruler. He was indeed not only the great Warrior King, but he was indeed not only the protector of the arts and sciences, but also brought to this court some of the best minds of the 18th century. He himself was an accomplished flute player, composer, and writer. In spite of the carnage wrought in the bloody battles of the campaigns he led in the various wars he was first a man of culture personified. He was one of the most powerful rulers of 18th-century Europe, but being a musician and patron of the arts meant as much to him as his conquests. The enthusiasm that he openly displayed for the music of the flute was far-reaching. This King as ruler of Prussia went far to heighten the standard of musical culture in all of Europe, but naturally it was Berlin and Prussia that appreciated his musical accomplishments, one of which was to establish an important Berlin school for flute in the history of music. The musical characteristics of this ruler’s flute compositions present the transitional styles between the Baroque and Classical period, in which the refined structure of the flute instrument reflects its features. The compositions of the King provided a vast literature for flute repertoire in the 1700s. The porcelain figure that we present here is also in fine tradition—the wonderful Saxon art of porcelain-figure creations. The piece is in hard-paste porcelain, developed by Johan Frederick Böttger, 1682-1719, who was literally kidnapped by Augustus the Strong of Saxony (you can look this up on the internet; a fascinating tale). This is one of the final pieces turned out by one of the Saxon companies; probably around 1870 or so. The gold application is very unusual and during the past “Kaiserzeit” empires this was the most expensive form of the ceramic arts. The figure measures about 16 1/2 inches high and the base is 4 1/2 inches around in an octagon shape. Under the base there is a crossed-swords configuration that would put one in mind of Meissen porcelain although other Dresden manufacturers used this mark as well. Regardless of what company made it this in our opinion is a masterpiece of the art. The artist has captured the face of a happy King as he indulges in his favorite pastime. The two-tone gold and pure white sets this off as a very wonderful figure. That is both beautiful and important to Germanic history.
PRICE: $1,200.00; the finest |
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Equestrian Statue in Bronze of Frederick the Great of Prussia, 1712-1786 (Item FRED 4-2; KSTATUES 4-7) |
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| DESCRIPTION: Here is a beautifully executed genuine bronze of “Der alte Fritz,” as King Frederick II of Prussia was known in his senior years. He was known as one of the most enlightened monarchs in European history. He was King of Prussia from 1740 to 1786 and was of the Hohenzollern Dynasty, Prince Elector of the Holy Roman Empire. He truly did fit the title of Frederick the Great. Much about the great King can be found on the internet. Do look at all our other Frederick offerings on these pages. This statue in bronze is wonderfully detailed with a beautiful patina. It's mounted on a fine granite plinth, and just above this is a bronze plinth with 18th-century-style detailing with female figures at each axis. It's almost identical to the huge statue of Frederick by C. D. Rauch in 1851, one of the greatest sculptures of the 19th century. The huge equestrian stands in the middle of Berlin's “Unter den Linden.” The statue we have and the Berlin statue depict the King riding on his favorite horse Condé. Around his shoulders are his coronation robes. The major difference is that while the original's base has the life-size figures and men of politics, art, and science, the small statue we offer has a much more humble base. But the word humble definitely does not apply to the statue itself. It is bold and dramatic, just as Frederick himself was. The sculpture measures 10 inches high from the bottom of the granite to the top of his three-cornered hat. The granite base is 9 inches long and about 5 1/3 inches wide. The horse measures about 7 inches from the tail to snout. The face and uniform look good under normal visage and inspection, but shows a bit of caster’s blemish here and there. All in all this is just a really great sculpture and one that you will be exceedingly proud to place on your desk or mantle. This is a great tribute to a great statesman and warrior!
PRICE: SOLD |
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The Alte Fritz in Repose Painting (Item FRED 4-4) |
DESCRIPTION: Here is a contemporary, but fine oil painting of Fredrick II (the Great), January 24, 1712 - August 17, 1786. We will not go into the illustrious life and legend of this TRULY great monarch and supreme war leader. It is enough to say that he was not only the Father of Prussian militarism but his tactics are still studied down through the generations by military leaders right up to the present day. He excelled at the art of war but was was also a brilliant statesman as well. Much can be found on the worldwide web concerning this Prussian Hero! “And still does his name in glory remain, unclouded by age and undimmed by a stain. And forever and ever his cause he upheld. The cause of the true, the trusted and bold!” Fredrick the Great is remembered by Germanophiles today in reverence and admiration. The painting brings out the noble bearing of the young Fredrick clutching his familiar cane while seated in the lull of battle. The painting is in a new frame that is suggestive of the look of the mid-18th century (rich looking). It measures 27 ½ by 18 ½. The actual painting is 11 ½ x 15. A wonderful den hanging with dramatic effect. Professionally painted about 1980 in Germany. PRICE: $650.00 |
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A High Art, Commemorative Plate Depicting Frederick the Great
(Item FRED 4-5 and KGLASS 3-13) |
DESCRIPTION: Here is an absolutely stunning depiction of Friedrich II, King of Prussia also known as “Der Alte Fritz.” See the many articles concerning this Grosse König in our Frederick section of the site. We won’t go into the illustrious history of this phenomenal individual since the web is heavy with stories and historical events dealing with him, and we also have some capsule reviews on our pages (Link to Frederick from Kaiserreich). The plate is 10 ¼ inches in diameter, and all the floral decor is 18th-century design around the edges, and is in highly up-cast overlay that you can feel as your fingers slide across it. I believe genuine liquid gold was employed in the construction. All of the design looks much like the Rococo décor at Frederick’s summer palace at Sans Souci in Potsdam. ( Absolutely gorgeous!) The mark on the back is the scepter of the KPM company of Berlin (Konigliche Porzellan Manufaktur) (The Royal Porcelain Manufacturer). Under that mark is a depiction of a lamb that has Dresden, Germany, and the numerals 135. This indicates that the retailer was this particular company who handled KPM masterpieces such as this. Also, there is the king’s title written out under the glaze. For important historical treasures of German porcelain and high art, this is certainly the epitome! PRICE: $1,500.00 |
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Magnificent Oil Painting of Frederick the Great of Prussia (Der Alte Fritz)
(Item FRED 4-6) |
DESCRIPTION: This is genuine oil rendering of the great Prussian king. The original painting was done from life by Anton Graff (1736-1813). His painting of Frederick was so popular with Germans and especially Prussian people that many artists have copied it and you can see some of the finest in our pages, but other than the one at Fred 1-2 on page two we believe this one is the ‘finest of the fine’ and is probably from the same early 18th century period as the one at Item FRED 1-2. This one is absolutely the same as the one Adolf Hitler gave to is personal pilot Hans Bauer as one of his last acts in the Berlin Bunker. Bauer was also his most trusted friend; a man who never forgot his oath Meine Ehre heist Treue!, the oath of the PRICE: $1,880.00 |
. The only difference that I can see is that the one that belonged to Hitler was in an oval framing and presentation while this one is in a square frame, but if you look closely the actual portrait is painted in the oval also and cleverly laid in the background of black. We can readily see the noble look of the warrior king who was called by his adoring people the “Alte Fritz” and truly “Old Fritz” leaps out at you with his magnetizing large, blue eyes. In German history only two giants of Teutonic lore were especially noted for hypnotic and piercing eyes–Adolf Hitler and Frederick. If a painting were ever said to be an absolute perfect rendering of Graf’s original canvas this one would have to be the one. The frame measures 24 x 29 inches and figure the frame to be about 2 inches thick. The painting is in practically perfect condition except for one abrasion about an inch from his forehead on the background portion. This is not a tear; it looks like the painting once was stood against something or another that put a dimple in it the size of a five-cent piece. When the painting is hung up on a wall this is really hardly noticeable. The colors, the dramatic look of the Prussian König, and the masterful artistry makes for a truly fine artistic achievement and any true tried and tested Germanophile would be exceedingly proud to hang it on his wall. We never have seen a better one in such a good-sized portrait of Germany’s hero.
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Fantastic Wine-Bottle Stopper(Item FRED 4-7) |
DESCRIPTION: There are collectable bottle stoppers antique and new, but here is the bottle stopper that is the greatest one you and I will probably ever see as collectors of Imperial German military memorabilia. This is beautiful silver or silvered depiction of King Frederick the Great of Prussia, known otherwise lovingly as der Alte Fritz. He is shown in his uniform with his ever-present walking stick. His sword’s scabbard touches a stack of books. Frederick was an avid reader and was highly educated. He spoke French and high German fluently. He was a close friend of the French philosopher, Voltaire. He was recognized then and now as Germany’s greatest King and First Warrior of the nation. He is still a national hero to the Germans who have not accepted cowardly liberalism in place of “honor and glory.” Yes, there are a few of us still around! The detailed effects of this small figure are phenomenal and undoubtedly it must have been the property of a Prussian gentleman of the noble classes. Frederick stands about 7 inches tall and the stopper part below that measures about 1 ½ inches. This little piece is absolutely more finely detailed than large bronzes that we have seen of the Prussian king. One would expect to see this bottle stopper rising out of the top of a bottle of Egon Müller Scharzhofberger Riesling Trockenbeerenaus Lese Mosel that sold for $7,135.00 making a record for a German wine purchase. I’ll bet it was better than“Blue Nun.” PRICE: $395.00 (really a gem!) |
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Small Badge Bearing the Likeness of “Frederick the Great”(Item FRED 4-8) |
DESCRIPTION: Here is the man lovingly known to the German people in his time and even now as “Der Alte Fritz.” He was Frederick the Great, the Prussian king, and he truly was deserving of the title “Great.” Much can be read about him on the web, but suffice to say he was the warrior king and the epitome of Prussian militarism. This badge was struck to commemorate the Garde organization or Verein that was assembled in the city of Oberhausen. The Garde groupings were various units such as the Garde du Corps, the Hussar Garde, the Garde Cuirassiers, etc. and they had an annual convention there in the beautiful city of Oberhausen in the Ruhr area situated on the Emscher river. The badge is made of brass and is about 1 ¼ inches wide and 1 ¼ inches tall with the face of King Frederick in the center and the words around him are “Garde-Verein Oberhausen-RHLD.” This is a very nice remembrance of “Der Grosse König.” PRICE: $49.00 |
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Dagger of Frederick the Great, King in Prussia (Item FRED 4-9; SPECIAL ITEMS) |
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| DESCRIPTION: Here is the absolute greatest antique weapon found in the last 30-40 years. It is the very ornate and beautiful Hirschfänger that belonged to the most revered monarch of Europe, Frederick II, King in Prussia (King of Prussia from 1772 on). Der alte Fritz (“Old Fritz”), as his adoring public called him, was the “Warrior King”: first in battle; skilled as a classic composer and flutist; intellectually self-taught; excelled in the many civilized arts; and, a cultured gentleman, but a feared adversary. Yet, through it all, he was a kind and compassionate ruler who loved his people and his country. He was, however, a Francophile. He loved the French language and encouraged it to be spoken at his court and at private social occasions. He said he also loved the German language as well, but the often said it was really the language of the drill field! He was basically a modest ruler and military leader. If his men had to bed down in muddy hay field somewhere at the front, then so did their king. In his thinking, he was after all just one of the soldiers. He befriended Voltaire, the famed French philosopher, and they became devoted comrades and hundreds of letters between them are archived in Berlin. They were in constant communication; these phenomenal men made an indelible mark on world history. I will not recount all the military experiences and exploits of Fritz as it has filled many huge volumes and much can be found using your favorite search engine. It is my happy task to present this one item that is perhaps among one of the greatest articles ever found that once belonged to this great king. This is basically a Hirschfänger, or deer knife, but the basics must be abandoned at this point because it is so much beyond that. It is a veritable treasure that is absolutely the finest sword or dagger ever found in recent years. How it ever found its way to us is still rather a mystery, but It seems rather obvious that it was taken as a WWII souvenir somewhere in Berlin in 1945, but after that we lose track of its travels and the collections it was possibly in. The person whose last hands it was in appreciated it for its intense beauty, but really did not have any idea of its wonderful historical significance. However, we, in our role as historians, know it was not only glorious, but that it had to be the property of the great Hohenzollern Monarch Frederick. The proof is in the pudding. All the signs are obvious to anyone who has any working knowledge of not only Frederick, but the Prussian Empire. First, the carving in Elfenbein is typical of that genre of great artists in Germany, but the highly decorated clamshell guard and the crossguard are indicative of the exquisite French motif and it must have been executed by a metal master, to say the least. The blade of a Hirschfänger in this period was usually quite plain and not engraved. The exception here is that engraved upon the steel is the expression “Vivat Friedrich” and here is the key!. Voltaire, on his visits to the Prussian King, would often bring expensive gifts to present to his exalted friend and we feel that this would have been one of greatest presents that this French aristocrat could have presented. Obviously, it is basically a hunting dagger and Frederick abhorred hunting. Well, in German, we must say, “Macht Nichts.” The presentation of this magnificent piece would be still quite apropos even if it would never be used in that sport of the nobility and royalty. Instead, it would repose in the magnificent collection gallery of this Prussian ruler who maintained several collections of such items as gorgeous snuff boxes; coinage; fancy, carved canes; and special weapons. This Hirschfänger would surely have been a much-appreciated gift from a man much admired and respected in the Prussian Royal Court. Yes, this must have been from Voltaire. It just adds up as to any ownership question. It is quickly pointed out that the “F” positioned between the two Prussian lions that support the shield speaks volumes. This is an item fit for a king and that king was Frederick II of Prussia, no other! The condition of this treasure is perfect throughout. Grip, metal artistry, blade, and green, leather scabbard with brass fittings all are practically pristine. This wonderful eighteenth-century art object actually should be in a German museum or alternatively it should be included in some superb private collection with its next fortunate steward of the greatest historically important treasures of antiquity.
PRICE: P.O.R. |
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Fabulous Bronze Sculpture of Frederick the Great of Prussia by a Famed Artist (Item FRED 4-10; BRONZEMET 4-9) |
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| DESCRIPTION: We have recently obtained what I would consider one of the finest bronze sculptures of the famed Alte Fritz. The sculpture stands 14 inches high from the marble base. The base, in two parts, measures 4 x 4 inches and 3 inches deep. The king stands in his traditional pose while holding his walking stick and with his arm resting upon his back with fist clenched. Just below this arm you can see his sword. His frock coat and ever-present Prussian Star Order prominently stand out. He seems to be in a pensive mood and the depiction of his face stands out as his prominent feature. The sculpture is quite heavy, weighing about 14 pounds. It is probably cast in solid bronze as early 19th century bronzes are often found to be. About Rudolf Kaesbach GERMAN, 1873-1955 Rudolf Kaesbach was born in Munich, but studied and worked in Paris, Düsseldorf, and Brussels before settling in Berlin. He is renowned for his horse compositions, and created various models of persons of history of this form with a single man and a horse in motion. Since he was known for depicting the famous personages of Germanic fame, Frederick the Great (King of Prussia) was a favored subject. The Ernest Krass foundry often cast his bronzes after the other renowned German equine sculptor Albert Hinrich Hussman. This is certainly one of the finest conceptions of the great king. PRICE: SOLD |
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Porcelain Bust of Frederick the Great (Item FRED 4-11) |
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| DESCRIPTION: Here in fine, bone-china porcelain is a portrait bust of “Der Alte Fritz” (The Old Fritz) Frederick the Great. This price shows the great man at the height of his military glory. Here he is depicted with all the stern, but noble look expected of a military genius and that he indeed was! He is considered the Father of Germanic military technique in the 18th century and subsequently beyond. The bust measures about 10 inches high and the hat measures about 8 inches from corner to corner. He wears the sash and badge of the Order of the Black Eagle. The piece is in fine, unchipped condition throughout. The bust has no company signature, but to us it looks like vintage Sitzendorf porcelain. This is a very fine item of antiquity that would ennoble any good militaria collection.
PRICE: $450.00 |
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Please refer to item designator in parentheses in all correspondence. Please E-mail for any additional information you may need.If you prefer, contact 'Germania' at PO Box 68, Lakemont, GA 30552 or call at 706.782.1668. Please! do not call during the wee hours of the morning. The best time for calling us is between 10 and 11 am and between 9 and 11 pm eastern time. |
