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Jewelry
Page 3
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Please be sure to visit our Kaiser Wilhelm II collection.
Also, take a look at our Frederick the Great gallery.
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Solid Gold WWI Iron Cross Stickpin (Item KJEWELRY 3-1; KMEDAL 5-11; WWI 13-4) |
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DESCRIPTION: This is an elegant piece of German WWI-era jewelry, completely original and definitely period; it’s just as nice a piece of jewelry as we have ever seen in German museum collections. The pin that holds the roundel is also in 10K gold. The motif is the Iron Cross in elegant fine enamel and the crown “W” and the date “1914” are in brilliant, fine detail. All around this is a branch of laurel leaves on the right and oak leaves on the left and seen on the back is a “10K” stamp. In our estimation this is a stickpin meant for a person of noble bearing or landed gentry; anyone but the common-man’s bauble. If you are an Iron Cross enthusiast this one is for you, but also if your collection embraces the elegant and precious, you will surely treasure this one.
PRICE: $500.00; you may never see another! |
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Finger Ring Featuring the Kaisers Wilhelm of Prussia and Franz Joseph of Austria (Item KJEWELRY 3-2; WWI 13-6) |
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| DESCRIPTION: This is very petite ring probably worn by a woman. It is a patriotic ring worn by persons who supported the monarchies. It’s in a 9 ½ size and the figures of the Kaisers are so small as to need magnification to see, but nonetheless, it is a rare, esoteric item for the true collector.
PRICE: $115.00 |
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Silver Finger Ring (Presentation) (Item KJEWELRY 3-3; WWI 13-7) |
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| DESCRIPTION: This ring would be given to persons who were patriotic enough to give funds to support the German Kaiser and Reich with generous donations and sometimes even their sons. This was early in the war because, later, people were asked to donate silver and gold for support for the war efforts. The ring has the words that surround it saying “Vaterlands Dank (Fatherland, Thanks). It is a very small size 6½ and in very good condition.
PRICE: $195.00 |
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Ring Featuring the WWI German Wound Badge (Item KJEWELRY 3-4; WWI 13-8) |
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| DESCRIPTION: Here is a rare finger ring that has the German Wound Badge with crossed swords as its central theme. It has “800” for silver content stamped deeply inside the shank. We have only one of these and it’s a size 8. It’s petite, but neat!
PRICE: $155.00 |
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Finger Ring with Enameled Top with Iron Cross and National Colors; Size 9 (Item KJEWELRY 3-5; WWI 13-9) |
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| DESCRIPTION: Here is a really nice WWI patriotic ring with a beautiful, little Iron Cross that is seen with the black, white, and red German national colors behind it. Flanking the sides were the words Weltkrieg (World War), but the side where “Krieg” would be has been broken, but it is still presentable and historically important and nice. It’s stamped “800” inside.
PRICE: SOLD |
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WWI Finger Ring (Item KJEWELRY 3-6; WWI 13-10) |
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| DESCRIPTION: Here is possibly one of the most different patriotic rings that I have ever seen. It has a beautiful egg-shaped enamel stone mounted in a silver setting. The stone is colored with the German National Farbe—black, white, and red. It is extremely petite with a really dainty shank. It is in size 6½. We have only the one and it is quite rare.
PRICE: $125.00 |
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WWI Gold-for-Iron Ring for War-Effort Contribution (Item KJEWELRY 3-7; WWI 13-11) |
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| DESCRIPTION: For an explanation of the tradition behind this ring, go to Item WWI 6-12. This one we offer here is much smaller than the ones pictured there and sold, and is probably the smallest ring we have ever offered (size 4); probably for a small Fräulein. You have to use magnification to see the patriotic message, but it’s there–rather worn, but readable, at least.
PRICE: $150.00 |
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Interesting Little Patriotic Pin (Item KJEWELRY 3-8) |
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| DESCRIPTION: This, without any attempt at circumlocution, is one of the finest pieces of Imperial patriotic jewelry we have ever seen. It is petite, but handsome. It measures about 1 1/2 inches long and depicts the German eagle holding a sword from which an Iron Cross Medal is suspended. All around the beautiful wreath that this theme is contained in are oak leaves. The pin is struck in pure “800” silver, but not stamped as such. It’s beautiful and elegant and very Prussian.
PRICE: $235.00 |
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Medallion “Gold for Iron” (Ironclad Patriotism) (Item KJEWELRY 3-9) |
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| DESCRIPTION: This medallion made of iron that has a silver and gold-colored bezel around was part of an expansive program in which patriotic German women would hand in their precious gold jewelry during the war years 1914-1918. This was to aid the war effort for the besieged Fatherland. Mothers, sisters, wives, and girlfriends wore these iron pendants after donating their wonderful items of jewelry to the Prussian government. The beautiful gold jewelry was sold to finance Germany’s struggle. This tradition began in the early years of the 19th century when German citizens were called upon to exchange their gold and silver jewelry for Gothic-looking pieces of ornamental iron jewelry. The funds raised were designated to be used to finance Prussia’s part in the Napoleonic wars, which raged across Europe and beyond from 1803-1815. The patriotic replacements were called “Berlin Iron.” Rings, pendants, bracelets even frying pans made of copper were donated. As Germany tried to meet the colossal costs of WWI, citizens were very proud to wear these patriotic implements and baubles. The ring replacements would invariably say inside (Gold gab ich für eisen 1914) or other of the war years, translated this means “I gave gold for iron.” The medallion we offer says “IN EISERNER ZEIT 1916” “In the iron time 1916.” On the back it says: “GOLD GAB ICH ZUR WEHR EISEN NAHM ICH ZUR EHR.” That means: “I gave gold for the defense; I took iron for the honor [of it].” The medallion measures about 1 3/4 inches (4.4 cm) in diameter and on its front is the depiction of a woman handling her golden medallion over in supreme patriotism. There is a jump ring at the top attached to the fine bezel. It is obvious that these iron medallions were not actually issued with the fine jeweler’s bezel, but the lady must have had it mounted and wore it with all the patriotic fervor that could be mustered in that Iron Time.
PRICE: $250.00 |
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Spectacular! Set of German Uhlan Heavy Cavalry Jewelry (Item KJEWELRY 3-10; SPECIAL ITEMS) |
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| DESCRIPTION: Here is a set of fine jewelry of the Kaiser Reich period that is comprised of the uhlan cap called a Tschapka and the body armor is known as a cuirass. This was the battle dress of the lst Guards Uhlans that was first established as a Garde Landwehr Kavallerie regiment. It was a light cavalry regiment of Uhlans of the Royal Prussian Army. The regiment was later reorganized as heavy cavalry Uhlans and renamed into 1st Garde Uhlan Regiment in 1826. It fought in the Austro-Prussian and Franco-Prussian wars. In World War One the regiment was part of the famed Guards Cavalry Division fighting on the Western Front. In peacetime it was stationed in Berlin and was part of the elite Royal Garde Korps. Its members wore a very gorgeous and resplendent uniform, but in combat they wore the necessary metal chest cover known as a cuirass that covered the gorgeous tunic and protected the soldier. The Set The two stickpins are in the original case that they came in and it is intact, but shows much outer wear after about 150 years or so of handling; the pins themselves are in excellent condition. The cuirass is absolutely historically correct and is in perfect detail. You can see plainly the many small brass links that would be laid over the straps (chainlike). The links and straps appear to be in “gold.” The Tschapka, or helmet, has a Prussian Empire eagle also in gold plus the chinstrap is also crafted in the precious metal. The other parts of both pieces are formed in fantastic detail in what appears to be “835” silver, but is not marked as such. We have left a familiar object near the pieces to give you an idea of the size of the pieces. That object is a 1903 German 5-mark piece. For stickpins they are quite large. If we were to guess after many years in this field we would have to say that this beautiful assemblage was possibly presented to a retired officer of Uhlans in appreciation of his service to Kaiser and Fatherland. The case still snaps shut and the hinges are good. This very probably unique and certainly beautiful to you and me, but then neither of us is politically correct, right? PRICE: $1,950.00 |
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Multiple Signatures on Fine-silver Cigarette Case that Belonged to a Commanding German Officer in WWI (Item KJEWELRY 3-11; WWI 13-24) |
| DESCRIPTION: Here is an historical treasure; a cigarette case of fine silver that has the facsimile signatures of the fellow officers who were serving with the recipient at Dions, France, in 1917. Inside there is a tiny “800” stamping. On the reverse of the case are dozens of signatures and when opened there are about 10 more inside. The case measures 3 x 4 inches and is in extra-fine condition. On the obverse is the inscription “2. INF DIONS. KOMMANDO WELTKRIEG 1917.” Dions is a small resort town in southern France. The Second Infantry Division presumably had a command center there. A headquarters there would have been far enough away from the central mayhem of fighting to make war plans and maneuvers in 1917. The case is in remarkably excellent condition and the lid lock snaps quite tightly.
PRICE: $485.00 |
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Charlemagne Medal (Item KJEWELRY 3-12; FRAN 4-20) |
| DESCRIPTION: Here is a medal that celebrates Emperor Charlemagne, who was King of the Franks; he bore the title of “King of the Lombards,” as well, so France and Germany both claimed him as their royal ruler. From 800 during the early Middle Ages, Charlemagne unified the majority of western and central Europe. His name in German is equivalent to “Charles the Great.” He was said to be the founder of the Holy Roman Empire. It has often been said sarcastically that this was neither Roman nor Holy. Charlemagne was crowned Emperor of the Holy Roman Empire on Christmas Day December 25, 800, by Pope Leo II in St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome making him the most powerful ruler of his time. The Medal The piece is oblong in shape and suspends from a reddish-purple neck ribbon of the sort used in high European orders. Taffeta is the word often used to describe this material. Then there is a suspension that supports the medal and all around the main medal are finely-cut edging patterns and at the crest and at the bottom are tiny, inlaid red stones that might be ruby insets The center of it depicts Emperor Charles who stands imperiously holding a model of the Cathedral of the Empire, which is seen above the double-headed eagle shield of the Holy Roman League, while to his other side is the shield of Lombard above the Book of Laws. Over his head is seen the dove of Peace. The measurement of the medal is about 2 inches high by 1½ inches wide. The back is unfinished. The entire piece is finished in an attractive gilded brass. What it was awarded for or to whom is not known at this time, but it looks to be the medallion style of the mid-19th century, and its recipient must have been of some importance in military or social affairs. We seek further information and if you have some, we would like to hear from you. PRICE: $450.00 |
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Imperial Prussian Postmaster’s Watch Fob (Item KJEWELRY 3-13) |
| DESCRIPTION: Here is a royal postmaster’s special watch fob. Because the Kaiserreich eagle is shown, we believe this would be for the royal palace post office. This special eagle with the Hohenzollern shield (white/black/black/white) is always symbolic of items and offices of the Royal Palace. The eagle sits above the horn in flashing lightning: this was the crest of the Imperial Prussian postal system. The colors to the sides are black, white, and red and they were the national colors of Germany at that time of regal glory. The interesting thing about this fob is that what is referred to as the chain part is fashioned from human hair. This jewelry was often made by and for men and women from their own or a loved one’s locks. Hair jewelry and decorations were very popular in the mid-19th century. In this case, the fittings (fastener clip and buttonhole bar) are in 14k gold. This stationmaster probably had this fob made to have his darling’s presence with him at all times. This is a charming historical memento in perfect condition.
PRICE: $450.00 |
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Lady's Patriotic Pin (Item KJEWELRY 3-14) |
| DESCRIPTION: Here is a scarce little silver patriotic pin as worn by women who organized support for the war groups during WW I. This pin is dated "1914 1915" and depicts the Imperial Prussian eagle with the words "Deutsche Frauen, Deutsche Treue" ("German Women, German Loyalty). The pin has a rather novel way that the ribbon with the national colors is suspended and show on the pin's surface. Very neat! But after all this being admirably handled by later generations of folk for more than a century, the ribbon material is very delicate, but the fob end is still hanging on. This is quite a dramatic and admirable eagle shield and it is considered a rare collectable today. It should be lovingly preserved as a memento of times when loyalty was a virtue!
PRICE: $95.00 |
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Kaiser Wilhelm II's Personal Cufflinks by the Royal House Jeweler Sy & Wagner in Original Presentation Case (Item KJEWELRY 3-15; WILHELM 8-13; SPECIAL ITEMS) |
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| DESCRIPTION: At this time, we are extremely proud to present and offer the greatest royal article that we have ever handled. It is is a set of Kaiser Wilhelm II’s personal cufflinks. They were produced by the greatest Prussian royal house jewelers, Berlin’s famed firm of Sy & Wagner. This illustrious corporation was known for producing many high-end Imperial German orders and decorations, and even more importantly, superb jewelry for the German Empire’s royal houses. The cufflinks are housed in an equally splendid Sy & Wagner presentation case. (PLEASE NOTE: During the Imperial German era, cufflinks were the preferred method for securing a gentleman’s shirt cuffs, and the higher one's station in life—particularly when attended by great wealth—the more elaborate the cufflinks.) No Imperial German personage held a more exalted position than Kaiser Wilhelm II, and he certainly spared no expense in surrounding himself with that position’s regal trappings. Sy & Wagner was the producer of the famed very special naval dagger that the exceedingly proud Kaiser presented to his son, Prince Adalbert, as the young man entered the Kaiserliche Imperial Marine. Let's stop here and consider these magnificent cufflinks. An irregular gold band frames the interior of each one’s obverse. (AGAIN, PLEASE NOTE: We are speaking of 14K gold, here. A higher gold content displays a much brighter shade of the precious metal, although the 14K gold section of the cufflinks reveals an extremely attractive patina.) The handsome blue-enamel surfaces contained within the cufflinks’ borders are embedded with sublimated rays that sparkle like moonlight on the ocean. Wilhelm II’s royal cypher is featured against the enamel background beneath a gold Hohenzollern crown. A small, cut diamond serves as the "W"’s focal point. (We at Germania International are no gemologist, but the diamond appears to be of very high quality). Each cufflink’s reverse is also made of gold. Both have short, gold chains attached to their reverses. Also, each one sports a small, gold crossbar for securing it through each shirt cuff’s buttonhole. The cufflink set's presentation case measures 3 inches by 2 inches across the top and is about 1 inch deep. It boasts a majestic, royal-purple, velvet cover, whose center lid displays a gold Hohenzollern crown. Inside, the case’s upper half is lined with luxurious white silk that has been handsomely embossed with the following information. (Beneath the image of a crown [probably Prussian, as it is NOT a Hohenzollern crown], is the following manufacturer’s information. SY&WAGNER Königl. Hofgoldschmiede BERLIN W. 7.WERDERSTR.7. FABRIK BRÜDERSTR. 2 PRICE: SOLD |
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Page Three |
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 9 and 11 am and between 9 and 11 pm eastern time.
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 9 and 11 am and between 9 and 11 pm eastern time.