German Prussia Kaiserlicher Yacht Club Award Storage Box - Early 20th Century

This wooden storage box, featuring a total of 13 silver-plated plaques, is an intriguing historical artifact from the early 1900s, associated with the prestigious Kaiserlicher Yacht Club (KYC), located in Kiel, Prussia. The box, measuring approximately 11 inches long, 2 inches tall, and 3 inches wide, was awarded as a 1st Prize (1. Preis) for various competitive sailing events organized by the KYC.

Design Features:

• Wooden Construction: The storage box is made of dark wood, meticulously crafted, with an inner compartment likely designed for small personal belongings or awards.
• Plaques: Each of the plaques is engraved with the details of the events in which the box's original owner won a prize. All the plaques commemorate 1st Prize awards in different yacht races, with engraved dates spanning from 1909 to 1912.
• Engraving Details: The inscriptions on the plaques mention the type of race and the specific dates, such as "Smt. Wettfahrt K.Y.C." (Sailing Race, Kaiserlicher Yacht Club), a reference to various types of sailing competitions, most likely part of the prestigious regattas held by the KYC. The engraved dates, such as 17.6.1911, 31.8.1912, and 19.6.1909, represent the specific dates on which these regattas took place.

Historical Significance:

• Kaiserlicher Yacht Club: The KYC was one of the most prestigious yacht clubs in the German Empire, founded in 1887 under the patronage of Kaiser Wilhelm II. It became a symbol of elite society and naval power in pre-World War I Germany. Members of the royal family and aristocracy were often participants in its regattas.
• Sailing Competitions: The box’s plaques highlight the significance of competitive sailing in the German Empire during this time. The KYC, based in Kiel, was deeply involved in promoting yacht racing as a sport and served as a social hub for Germany’s upper class.
• Kiel Week: The mention of KYC in the inscriptions likely ties this box to the famous Kiel Week, one of the oldest and most prestigious sailing events globally, which continues to this day. These races were renowned for attracting Europe's elite sailors.

Condition:

The box is in excellent condition for its age. The wood shows minor wear, but the interior remains well-preserved, and the plaques still maintain their luster. The inscriptions are clearly legible, adding to its display value. The interior compartment is clean, making the piece both functional and highly collectible.

Provenance and Appeal:

Collectors of militaria, Prussian history, and early 20th-century yacht memorabilia would find this piece particularly valuable due to its strong association with the German elite and naval traditions before World War I. Its connection to the Kaiserlicher Yacht Club, the epitome of German imperial naval pride, adds to its historical and collectible significance.

This box serves as a unique reflection of the lifestyle, sporting culture, and social circles of the German aristocracy in the years leading up to the First World War.