Imperial German WWI Photo Album – Iron Cross Oak Leaf Embossed Cover

This is a fine original example of a large-format Imperial German photo album from the World War I era, notable for its elaborate cover embossing, well-preserved gold-trimmed page edges, and complete interior page framing. Measuring approximately 14 inches tall by 9 inches wide and 2 inches thick, the album was likely produced between 1915 and 1918 as a keepsake for a soldier or family to preserve photographic memories of service or homefront life.

The album’s cover is bound in a textured black faux leather or pressed board, featuring a prominent embossed and gilt Iron Cross (1914 issue) at the center top, complete with Prussian crown, “W” for Kaiser Wilhelm II, and the date “1914” in the lower arm—stylistically rendered in the form commonly associated with wartime service decorations. Below the Iron Cross runs an elegantly embossed vine of oak leaves and acorns, hand-colored in shades of green and orange, adding vivid decorative flair and symbolic weight. Oak leaves were long a German emblem of strength and honor.

Flanking the central motif are two vertical panels, each decorated with floral emblems, with traces of gold inlay still present. While the album is now devoid of photographs, the internal presentation remains impressively intact. Each page is made from thick cardstock with a smooth surface and features precisely die-cut photo windows outlined in gold or red trim, designed to hold a range of portrait and cabinet card formats. A few pages have minor edge tears or slight curling to the photo slots, but most are in very good condition for an album of this age.

The binding remains firm and is held together with a decorative silver-colored metal clasp mechanism along the side. The page edges are strikingly trimmed in metallic gold, a feature typically reserved for higher-end presentation albums. The edges show some age-related toning and handling, as does the outer spine, which bears mild fraying at the top and bottom but remains structurally sound.

This album would be ideal for housing an original WWI photograph collection or could be displayed on its own as a visually striking example of wartime artistic craft and soldierly remembrance. It is increasingly rare to find these albums in such complete condition, with all pages present and a secure clasp intact.

Condition:
Very good overall for its age. Exterior shows wear to spine edges and minor rubbing to raised design elements. Interior pages are complete with only light age toning. Gold-trimmed edges retain excellent color. Metal clasp fully functional. All photo slots are empty.

Provenance:
From a private U.S. collection. No markings or inscriptions inside; likely intended for use by a German soldier or family during WWI.