Leipzig “Völkerschlachtdenkmal” Glass Souvenir Paperweight, Circa 1913

This finely made glass paperweight commemorates the monumental Völkerschlachtdenkmal (Monument to the Battle of Nations) in Leipzig, Germany. Measuring approximately 3.5 inches (9 cm) in diameter, it features a domed, scalloped-edge form enclosing a vivid printed and hand-tinted image of the memorial viewed from above, captioned simply “Leipzig.” The underside retains its original black paper backing.

The Völkerschlachtdenkmal, completed in 1913, was erected to honor the centennial of the Battle of Leipzig (1813)—one of Europe’s largest Napoleonic battles, in which combined Prussian, Austrian, Russian, and Swedish forces defeated Napoleon’s army. The monument became an enduring patriotic symbol of German unity and remembrance.

Condition: Very Good. The glass remains clear and undamaged with only minor surface wear and faint age toning to the image insert. The black paper backing shows light abrasion at center but is largely intact.

A striking and authentic early 20th-century Leipzig souvenir, produced during the Kaiserreich period to celebrate one of Germany’s most significant national monuments. A charming and display-worthy relic of Imperial-era pride and remembrance.