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Crown Prince Wilhelm Cigar Box (Item WILHELM 7-1)
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| DESCRIPTION: Here is a beautiful cigar box and the cigars were named for the Krönprinz Wilhelm, the eldest son of Kaiser Wilhelm II. For some background on him, see our personality description under the Hermann Göring Presentation Goblet (Item GOR 6-4) in the Third Reich section (make link). The box is for cigarillos/small cigars and it has the national eagle of Kaiser Wilhelm II on the top. Along the edges are the Prussian colors in shield motif. When opened there is a great depiction in vibrant color of the crown prince dressed in the uniform of the Leibgarde Hussars (the Death’s Head Hussars). This is supported on each side with more Imperial eagles in shield formation. The one on the left is the national eagle again and the one on the right the eagle shield of Prussia. The work is with highly embossed detailing that could be read in Braille-it is so deep. This could be considered an art masterpiece of advertising specialty. Considering the frailty of an item like this. We would have to say its nothing short of miraculous that it has survived in such wonderful shape and it is in wonderful condition indeed. This is a great little treasure from a graceful and heroic time. It measures 4 ½ x 6 ½ inches and is 1 inch deep.
PRICE: SOLD
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Magnificent Belt Buckle of the Kaiser’s Forestry Service (Item WILHELM 7-2; HUNT 6-4)
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| DESCRIPTION: Here is the mother of all buckles and in practically mint condition. It is a huge buckle measuring 5 x 3 inches. The eagle in the center of the gilded-brass buckle is in pure silver and is the insignia used by the Kaiser personally for his Forestry Service administrators and officials. The Kaiser eagle sits upon a Hirschfänger, or hunting sword or dagger, and is supported by oak leaves and branches. This sits on a plinth. The spectacular detail is almost beyond comprehension. Look at the picture of the feathers, crown, and eagle’s head! The edges of the buckle have an oak-leaf design in simulated engraving. The eagle is secured with tiny screws and nuts. The catch for the buckle fastener has been removed for some odd reason??? This is very probably the buckle for a very high forestry official, possibly even the Kaiser’s chief forest master. We would have to say it’s the prettiest piece of German forestry equipment we have even seen.
PRICE: SOLD |
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Kaiser Wilhelm II Signature on Document (Item WILHELM 7-3)
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| DESCRIPTION: This is a fabulous-looking framed document hand signed and dated 16 November 1903. The owner some 40 years ago cut in to two parts to make it fit an earlier frame (that’s the negative!). The positive is that it is 100-percent original and has the huge Wilhelm signature. The heading says: “I, Wilhelm, by God’s grace German Kaiser and King of Prussia, etc: etc: etc:” Then the handwritten message of the document comes in. It has to do with something granted by the king and palace for one Doctor Wilhelm Pfitzingan. It was signed at the Neues Palais. Mounted with the document is an original photo card produced in Berlin of the Kaiser in his resplendent grand admiral’s uniform. He wears the House Order of Hohenzollern and the Grand Class of the Order of the Black Eagle, plus a 10-medal bar of various medals and orders. The items were beautifully framed in Germany for us from some original oak-leaf stock. The framing and matting alone on this wonderful presentation was very costly. It measures 26 1/2 x 24 inches. The document is 8 1/2 x 13 inches. The original picture is 5 x 8 inches. Anyone knowing more about this great item is encouraged to contact us and we will certainly appreciate any further reference as to importance or purpose.
PRICE:$1,950.00
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Wilhelm II Commemorative Medallion (Item WILHELM 7-4; KJEWELRY 2-9)
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| DESCRIPTION: This is a great-looking medal in silver with Kaiser Wilhelm II wearing the helmet of the Garde du Corps dated 1913. Behind him stands (figuratively) Karl Herzog V. Geldern dated 1713. This was the Duke Karl. This was the hero duke, who being responsible for the Utrechter peace of 1713 gave birth to the Prussian State. So this commemorates a 200-year jubilee. On the back are the words “Der Drachenkampf with two Teutonic warriors fighting against a dragon--the Dragon of Disunity? It is truly a fine art medal with rich, historical significance.
PRICE: SOLD
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Royal Patent of Nobility Presented and Signed by Kaiser Wilhelm II (Item WILHELM 7-5)
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DESCRIPTION: A patent of nobility is a formal presentation set awarded to a man who was elevated to Prussian knighthood. The very beautiful and elaborate grouping consists of first the hand-carved wooden box fitted for the much coveted Adels-Brief. This was the formal document that recognizes the newly elevated Knight of the Reich. The ornately carved wooden storage box depicts the royal Hohenzollern eagle on its outer lid. The wood is completely covered in elaborately carved and tooled leather. The box measures 17 1/2 by 14 inches and is 5 inches deep. If this box were featured all by itself it would be considered to be very impressive indeed. In addition to the intricately carved Kaiserzeit Imperial eagle on the lid, elaborate carving decorates all the box’s surfaces. Inside, a beautiful floral silk insert graces the upper lid. When the lid is lifted a sumptuous and fantastic sight is beheld. Here, in all its glory, a folio with high-relief carving is immediately perceived. This folio measures 14 1/2 x 11 inches and contains the formal knighthood document. Here is the Hohenzollern eagle once more, but in very high relief. We believe this particular leather-carved folio may well have been accomplished by George Hulbe of Hamburg, who was the Kaisereich’s most famous carver of ultra-important leather pieces. See the Reichstag Chair, Item WILHELM 6-1. Also see the Royal Imperial leather wall-hanging at Item KPAINTING 1-8. The document has six pages of the finest heavy velum that was possible to obtain. The text is rendered by a master calligrapher. The opening page is the statement by Kaiser Wilhelm II; “By God’s grace, King of Prussia…” and all his other grand titles and goes on to the second page where he confers the sacred patent of nobility and knighthood on Sir Paul Alwin Carl Theodor von Uhde, born May 18, 1843, and died August 25, 1932. He was a lieutenant general in the Imperial Army of Prussia. Following the Kaiser’s statement we see the full coat of arms that is hand painted and was created for von Uhde at this time. It was exclusive to him and bears the knight’s helmet supported by owls that perch on stag’s antlers. All around this gorgeous design is golden floral motif. The next pages, also done in hand calligraphy, are further grants that this document confers upon this man, who is now a Knight of the Realm. The hand painting on the velum remains vibrant even after well over 100 years. This is certainly a Germanic work of art personified. This document hails from the turn of the century, 1902, when many of the Kaiser’s officers were already being partially mobilized to the effect that Germany was gearing up for possible military action caused by mutterings and rumors from England and Russia. Interesting, also, is that the artist for the coat of arms was the famous von Borwitz V. Harttenstein, who painted the frescoes in the new palace and many other Hohenzollern royal palaces and even the alcove in the Kaiser Wilhelm Gedankness Kirche in Berlin. The last page bears the personal large signature of Kaiser Wilhelm II. It is also signed by the director of the Royal Prussian Heraldry Office and also by the calligrapher Kurzhals. Of note, on the folio’s cover are decorative bosses on each corner. The rear cover is beautifully hand tooled in an interlocking diamond design with genuine silver pips at the corners of the design and at the left bottom there is the name R. Burrius, Berlin, maker or supplier of the material? Attached to the portfolio by a silver-black cord with silver tassels is a silver capsule or cassette marked ‘800’ (silver grade). Stamped 26516 and the makers’ name M. Schaper. The two-piece cassette in repousse, relief measures 6.2 inches in diameter and features the Royal Prussian eagle on the obverse, with the Wilhelm II royal cipher surrounded by oak leaves on the reverse. Inside the capsule is a 6- inch-diameter red wax seal with the coat of arms of the Prussian Heraldry Office. This is ultra-important as the wax seal is intact and perfect unlike others that have been found where the seal is gone or completely destroyed. The portfolio binding grades excellent +++/near mint showing minor wear to the lower highlights of the front cover eagle, while the parchment pages are stone mint with flawless calligraphy and color paint. The chest grades excellent +/excellent ++ showing some surface wear to the leather and some aging and minor separation to the silk lining. Included with the patent is a softbound photocopy of the original recommendation for elevation to the nobility prepared by the Royal Heraldry Office and is dated August 12, 1902, as well as an original copy of the memorial service for Herrn Generalleutnant von Uhde held at the Zionskirche in Dresden on August 29 1932. This certainly is a unique historical grouping in what can be called ultra-superb condition.
Background on his Excellency General A.D. Paul von Uhde:
Born in Brunswick (Braunshchweig) and followed the protestant persuasion
Studied and graduated from the Collegium Carolinum Universities in Brunswick, Göttingen & Berlin from 1860-1863
Entered the Magdeburg Artillery Brigade #4 in October 1963, and was soon promoted to Fahnenjunker (ensign or officer cadet) on May 13, 1864
Joined 4th Field Artillery Regt. Prince Regent Luitpold of Bavaria (Magdeburg) on September 14, 1864, and promoted to 2nd lieutenant
Appointed Adjutant to the Commander of the Reserve Artillery, 1st Army by order of highest degree from May 6, 1866-September 17, 1866
Appointed to Cabinet Command from June 24, 1866
Promoted to full artillery officer (patent: September 14, 1864)
On February 12, 1870, transferred as Adjutant to 3rd Artillery Brigade and bestowed the honor as first lieutenant on September 21, 1870.
By order of highest degree from February 12, 1874, bestowment of patent from October 17, 1869, and release of adjutant obligations, transferred to 1st Brandenburg Artillery, 3rd Division.
On January 27, 1875, promoted to captain and transferred to 2nd Field Artillery as an Adjutant Inspector
By order of highest degree from April 13, 18874, and bestowment of patent form April 24, 1874, and appointed Battery Commander
Promoted to major on September 13, 1864, and appointed replacement staff officer to Posen Field Artillery Regt #20, and October 16, 1886, Commander 1st Section 2nd Badische Field Artillery Rgt. #20
From January until March 1889, member of the training and administration of the Field Artillery.
Transferred on March 1890, to the 34th Field Artillery Regt as replacement staff officer of the same to oversee the function of the Rgt.
From May 23rd 1890, promoted to lieutenant colonel
February 14, 1891, Commander of 2nd/26th Hannover Field Artillery Regt. and appointed officer (a la suite) of same from May 29, 1891
Promoted to full colonel as of March 25, 1893, and Commander of 4th. Field Artillery Brigade as of October 18, 1896.
Promoted on January 27, 1897, to major general.
By order of highest degree from September 13, 1899, General Uhde was appointed Commander of the 7th Field Artillery Brigade.
As of October 1, 1899, Lt. General Uhde, in accordance with his wish to retire from active duty with pension, was disposed (permitted to retire) as Lt, General Ret.
Participated in the War against Austria 1866, battles of Königsgratz, Skirmish at Miinzengratz, and in the war of 1870/71 against France, the Siege of Metz, and the battles of Spichern, Vionville, Mars la Tour, Gravelotte, Saint Privas, Noisville, and Woinggy (near Metz).
General Uhde was the holder of the following Prussian Awards and Orders:
Order of the Red Eagle 2nd Class with oak leaves and crown, Iron Cross 2nd Class Service Cross
His years of service were 36 years and 5 months.
Lt. General Uhde was a son of Professor Dr. Philosophy and Director of the Technical Academy in Brunswick, August Uhde. His mother was Nellie Macrae von Holmains, descended from an ancient Scottish clan. His brother Contstantin Uhde held the title of Geheimer Hofrat (Secret Advisor to Court) and was a Professor of Architecture at the Technical College in Brunswick
He was married to Emma, born von Schwarzkoppen, a cousin of Major General von Schwarzkoppen, Commanding Officer of the Cadet Corps. Lt. General Uhde was married since August 2, 1882, to Jenny, born Hervarth von Bittenfeld, only daughter of Colonel Hervarth von Bittenfeld. She was a grand niece of the deceased General Fieldmarshall von Bittenfeld, and a niece to the then Commanding General Hervarth von Bittenfeld. They had one son, Eberhard, born May 24, 1883, who, after a successful graduation joined a Cavalry Rgt. as an Officer Cadet
Lt. General Uhde lived since his disposition in the Villa Saint Rochus in the Villa Colony Grunewald (Berlin). Apart from his pension, he lived a comfortable life by owning a capital sum of 320,000 marks. He acquired several acres of a former fortification in Dahlem and had a villa built there.
This was the illustrious career of a notable Prussian officer and gentleman. There is probably nothing that can compare with the sheer beauty and importance of such an evidence of nobility like this. Only a few have ever surfaced and none have ever been in the condition of this one; at least none that we have ever seen or heard of in our many years of experience. This is a priceless gem of Prussian history that chronicles the saga of heroism of a Prussian career general and is a beautiful testimony to an age of grandeur and regal classicalism. We will not see this wonderful time of heroic civilization again so it is all the more important that we preserve the vestiges of that time of Enormen, (giants), although our time and our present leaders are best described as Belanglosen, (inconsequentials). Rest well in Walhalla, General Uhde.
PRICE: SOLD
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Cabinet Card Photo of Kaiser Wilhelm II (period) (Item WILHELM 7-7)
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| DESCRIPTION: This is a wonderful period cabinet photo of the Kaiser in the field marshal uniform. This was a studio-posed portrait and is one of the finer ones that we have encountered. The photographer is E. Bieber, who was the official court photographer in Berlin. This picture is on the hard-card stock and is in very fine condition. It measures 4 1/2 x 6 1/2 inches. It’s quite a dramatic pose and is probably from 1916 or 1917.
PRICE:$125.00
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Magnificent Art Medal Depicting Kaiser Wilhelm II (Item WILHELM 7-8)
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| DESCRIPTION: This is a large bronze art medal with the likeness of Kaiser Wilhelm II in high relief wearing his Garde du Corps helmet. The medal is 4 1/4 inches in diameter and around the edges are the words (translated): “I know no more parties, I know only Germans! 1914.” On the back is a beautiful depiction of the Prussian crown, the Iron Cross, the spray of oak leaves, and the palm leaves, plus the Iron Cross and again the date ‘1914.’ On this side is another saying of this noble Kaiser: “If it is thrust upon us in self-defense, then with pure hand we seize the sword.” This was his statement of intention prior to WWI. This is an incredibly important article to history by the famous medalist Grünthall of Berlin. This is surely a museum piece in all its Imperial glory.
PRICE: SOLD
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Kaiser Birthday Program (Item WILHELM 7-9)
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| DESCRIPTION: This is just a wonderful little relic of the Kaiserzeit. It is a special program with menu and music program for the birthday celebration for Kaiser Wilhelm II at the naval-officers’ headquarters at Wilhelmshaven. The year was 1905, and this event was held Friday, January 27. The first page has a wonderful picture of the Kaiser with all his orders and decorations. The second page has the menu for the grand dinner—enough to make you green with envy. It includes oxtail soup, brown bread from Helgoland, beef Rouladen with fresh vegetables, and goose liver mixed with other delicacies. The next page has the listing of the marches and overtures including the Kaiser Marsch by Richard Wagner as a special rendition of a song written for Wilhelm II, and music from the opera Walküre by Wagner. The booklet measures 9 x 6 inches with the beautiful Imperial Hohenzollern eagle embossed in gold on the cover. This is a wonderful original memento from a much better time.
PRICE: $195.00
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Contact Us
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 or 706.782.4398.
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.
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