Imperial German Navy Portrait Brooch – Sailor of S.M.S. Iltis

This rare and evocative Imperial German naval portrait brooch features a sepia-toned photograph of a sailor from the gunboat S.M.S. Iltis, mounted under glass in a delicate openwork silver frame with petal-like filigree design. The brooch measures approximately 1.5 inches in diameter and retains its original pinback assembly, which remains functional and secure. The photo is remarkably well preserved, displaying fine detail of the sailor’s uniform and cap tally clearly reading “S.M.S. ILTIS.”

The S.M.S. Iltis (the second vessel of that name) was a small gunboat of the Imperial German Navy’s East Asia Squadron, commissioned in 1898. She served extensively in China, including during the Boxer Rebellion, and later on the East Asian and Pacific stations as part of Germany’s overseas colonial fleet. These vessels were symbols of German naval presence in the Far East, often operating from Tsingtao, the principal German naval base in China. The crew of ships like the Iltis played a central role in protecting German interests abroad, surveying coastlines, and engaging in diplomatic and humanitarian missions during the high tide of Kaiser Wilhelm II’s global ambitions.

Portrait jewelry of this type was typically commissioned by sailors or their families and worn as a sentimental keepsake during long overseas deployments. The fine craftsmanship of the silver frame and the quality of the photographic transfer suggest this example was made circa 1900–1914, likely as a personal memento of service in the Far East or the China Station.

Condition is very good, with light surface toning to the silver and only minor age wear to the photograph’s emulsion under glass. Items relating to specific ships of the Imperial Navy are increasingly scarce, particularly those linked to the storied vessels of the East Asia Squadron.

A poignant and beautifully preserved artifact of Imperial Germany’s naval heritage.