Imperial German Patriotic Enameled Shield Stickpin, Pre-WWI/WWI Era

This finely crafted enameled patriotic stickpin measures approximately 2.25 inches in overall length, with a shield-shaped head roughly 0.5 inches tall. The head displays high-quality fired enamel in deep cobalt blue and vivid red, divided diagonally to create a striking two-tone field. Centered within the shield is an ornate interlaced gilt monogram rendered in a distinctly pre-war artistic style, with flowing curves and stylized lettering typical of Imperial-era patriotic and veterans’ society insignia. At the top, a gilt Roman numeral “II” is placed against the blue field, suggesting a district, battalion, or chapter designation within a larger civic, military, or veterans’ organization.

The enamel surface shows strong color retention and only minor age speckling under magnification. The shield is bordered in gilt metal with crisp edging and no evidence of enamel repairs. The reverse is unmarked and features a soldered circular backing plate securing the pin. The pin itself is a tapered, gilt-finished steel or brass shaft with a tight spiral flute—an Imperial German manufacturing characteristic designed to seat securely in the lapel without tearing fabric. The construction, metalwork, and enamel technique are consistent with high-quality pieces produced between the late 1890s and the First World War.

Pieces of this type were widely worn by members of patriotic clubs, Schützenvereine, civic guilds, military associations, or regimental veteran groups. Their symbolism varied widely between regions and organizations, and in many cases these small badges served as unofficial identifiers among local units, marching contingents, or pre-war paramilitary youth and training groups. The stylized monogram and the Roman numeral “II” strongly indicate an internal organizational code, making exact attribution difficult, but also underscoring the piece’s period authenticity and its raison d’être as a membership emblem within a structured Imperial-era association.

For collectors, this stickpin offers a well-preserved example of early patriotic enamel work—an area of Imperial German material culture that continues to gain interest due to its diversity, beauty, and historical connection to the social fabric surrounding the Kaiserreich’s military institutions. The enamel presents attractively, the gilt retains its warmth, and the original fluted pin remains straight and fully intact. Minor age toning is present on the reverse as expected, but the piece displays cleanly from the front and shows no structural issues.