$195.00
This is an oversized Iron Cross that measures 5″ x 5″ x 1/8.” It is silver-toned. In its center is a likeness of Generalfeldmarschall Paul von Hindenburg. Below his likeness, on the nine o’clock arm, is the date 1914/15. The reverse sports the name “Witkowitz.” It is a very substantial item that weighs 12 ounces.
This is an oversized Iron Cross that measures 5″ x 5″ x 1/8.” It is silver-toned. In its center is a likeness of Generalfeldmarschall Paul von Hindenburg. Below his likeness, on the nine o’clock arm, is the date 1914/15. The reverse sports the name “Witkowitz.” It is a very substantial item that weighs 12 ounces.
This is an oversized Iron Cross that measures 5″ x 5″ x 1/8.” It is silver-toned. In its center is a likeness of Generalfeldmarschall Paul von Hindenburg. Below his likeness, on the nine o’clock arm, is the date 1914/15. The reverse sports the name “Witkowitz.” It is a very substantial item that weighs 12 ounces.
$895.00
This handsome wooden box measures 11″ x 2 3/4 x 1 3/4.” It is completely covered on three sides with small brass Kaiserliche Yacht Club Prize Plaques that each measure 1 1/4″ x 2 3/4.” Its bottom is covered by dark green felt. One of the plaques on the box’s end is blank. The others are all inscribed for first place and special prizes from 1909 through 1912. No names are written, just the names of the events and their dates. The box swings open on special brass hinges, which are rather elaborate (please note the accompanying pictures). The inside of the box is all wood. We do not know its exact utility, although pencils and pens would fit quite well inside……
STORAGE BOX – KAISERLICHER YACHT CLUB PRIZE PLAQUES
The Kaiserliche Yacht Club was one of the forerunners of the Kiel Yacht Club. Known also as “Küz” from its acronym KYC, it was a prestigious yacht club located in the harbor city of Kiel, Germany. German Emperor Wilhelm II, his younger brother Prince Heinrich of Prussia, and Alfred Krupp were among its members. The club was famous for the sailing events it organized, including its role in the first Kieler Woche regattas, an event that still takes place yearly in the Kiel Bay. (It is the largest sailing event in the world). The club’s origins are in the “Marine-Regatta-Verein” (Regatta Union of the Navy), a club for Kaiserliche Marine officers founded in Kiel in 1887. The Marine-Regatta-Verein specialized in yacht racing. Prince Heinrich of Prussia, a yachting enthusiast, was its patron. In 1891 the club allowed civilians in and Emperor Wilhelm II became its commodore, bringing his own yacht Meteor I (the former Thistle) to the club’s marina in Kiel. That same year the club changed its name to “Kaiserlicher Yacht Club.” At the time of World War I the club house was transformed into a Lazaretto (a quarantine station for maritime travelers). Four hundred fifty-five members of the Kaiserlicher Yacht Club died in the war.
After these difficult years the club almost went bankrupt. It barely managed to survive. The Kaiserlicher Yacht Club retained its name even after the Treaty of Versailles that brought the German monarchy to an end. William II remained as honorary commodore of the club, while he lived in exile at Haus Doorn, in the Netherlands. His patronage was ended when the Nazis came to power and took over the club, doing away with its Imperial name. It resurfaced after WW II and was renamed the Kiel Yacht Club.
This handsome wooden box measures 11″ x 2 3/4 x 1 3/4.” It is completely covered on three sides with small brass Kaiserliche Yacht Club Prize Plaques that each measure 1 1/4″ x 2 3/4.” Its bottom is covered by dark green felt. One of the plaques on the box’s end is blank. The others are all inscribed for first place and special prizes from 1909 through 1912. No names are written, just the names of the events and their dates. The box swings open on special brass hinges, which are rather elaborate (please note the accompanying pictures). The inside of the box is all wood. We do not know its exact utility, although pencils and pens would fit quite well inside.
This is a consignment item.
In stock
$895.00
Beginning in the late 19th Century, Germany began building up its presence in China…..
Beginning in the late 19th Century, Germany began building up its presence in China. They “assumed” land at Khiatsou and expanded their foothold in Asia. Ultimately, Germany maintained an entire squadron in China under the command of Vizeadmiral von Spee. When WW I began, he realized that Germany could not hold its base in China. He made arrangements for his squadron to depart and head back to Europe. Sadly for him, after a successful battle off Chile’s coast in November 1914, he met up with the British again in the Battle of Falkland Islands in December 1814. The bulk of his squadron, as well as the Vizeadmiral and his two sons, perished with their respective ships.
German sailors who served in China found remarkable ways to commemorate their service. One very popular way was to produce an embroidered, silk likeness of their ship. Along with that likeness, their ship’s name and their years of service were noted. Usually, a place was provided where a sailor could place his photograph. In most cases you could see that the vessel’s name on his cap tally matched the ship’s name indicated on the silk montage.
The S. M. S. Kaiserin Augusta was commissioned in 1895. She was an all-new ship-type, with all-new engines. She was the first Kaiserliche Marine ship to have three shafts and propellers. She had other problems with her guns, so it was another two years before she was ready for fleet service. From 1897 through 1902 she served in East Asia as a part of its Cruiser Squadron. This time included the 1900-1901 Boxer Rebellion. She was in the middle of all the action taking place. In 1902, she returned to Germany and was placed in reserve status. Ship design had passed her by, and she was no longer considered front-line-capable. She was reactivated in 1914 and placed in the Baltic Seas Fleet under the command of Prussia’s Großadmiral Prinz Heinrich. She first was used for coastal defense, then for artillery training. Finally, she was broken up and scrapped in 1920.
Today we are offering something just a bit different. It is a framed presentation for the S. M. S. Kaiserin Augusta. The central piece shows a silk-embroidered ship’s profile. A multitude of silk thread colors appear in the image, which is so detailed that the kriegsflagge can be clearly seen flying from the ship’s stern. The smaller German National Flag flies from the bow. Directly below the ship we see S. M. S. Kaiserin Augusta handsomely embroidered in silk lettering. Around its image is a red, black, and white thread rope that replicates the German national colors. Below that are multicolored oak leaves and acorns. The image is under glass. The oval-shaped image’s overall measurements are 7 3/4″ x 10.”
As handsome as the image is, it is the frame that really makes it special. The frame is made of lacquered wood that was hand painted in China with images of birds, leaves, and flowers. [It is similar to the wood and lacquer painting on a photo album we are offering in our Colonial Merchandise Page (click here to see)]. The frame measures 12 ½” x 15.” Sadly, some areas of the frame are damaged and show the bare wood underneath the lacquered finish. A simple hanger is on the reverse, which I suggest that you reinforce or replace.
This is a super combination that shows the beauty and artistic attention of China’s artists. I cannot begin to imagine how many hours the artists required to fashion the ship’s likeness. Nor could I begin to count the multitude of stitches made to produce the image. It is simply gorgeous. The same applies to the frame, as well as the patience and dedication that it took to produce it. It is a pity that it sustained some damage, but it remains a gorgeous presentation that highlights Germany’s power in 1898-1914 China.
In stock
$750.00
This is a highly unusual, detailed metal tobacco box from 1750 to 1775, during Frederick the Great’s (Friedrich der Große) reign. He was the first of the well-known Prussian kings, the man who set Prussia (later Germany) on its course toward a greater role in European politics……
TOBACCO BOX – ERA 1750 – 1775 – FREDERICK THE GREAT’S TIME
This is a highly unusual, detailed metal tobacco box from 1750 to 1775, during Frederick the Great’s (Friedrich der Große) reign. He was the first of the well-known Prussian kings, the man who set Prussia (later Germany) on its course toward a greater role in European politics.
The brass box measures 6 1/4″ x 1 3/4,” and weighs 6 ounces. The box is hinged.
The box’s top depicts the Prussian Army at battle. Part of the battlefield is labeled “Prussian Armee,” while the other section is labeled “Schwerin’s Armee.” It is all dated 6 May 1757. To the left is a description of the action in which the Prussian Army vanquished the Austrians. To the right, the King of Prussia and his (period) military commanders are listed.
The box’s bottom reveals a scene where mounted generals looking down at a battle in a valley. The date, 31 July 1760, and the battle’s name are mentioned. The wording on the top and bottom has faded somewhat from age. The box’s bottom half has some damage to one corner, where a 3/4″ portion of the metal trim is missing.
This is an amazing piece that depicts Germany’s military history of more than two-hundred-fifty-years ago.
In stock