Prussia WWI Prince Oskar im Felde Portrait Postcard

This original First World War-era photographic postcard portrays Prinz Oskar von Preußen (Prince Oskar of Prussia) in field uniform. The eldest printed inscription reads “Prinz Oskar im Felde,” translating as “Prince Oskar in the Field.” He is shown wearing a field cap and heavy military greatcoat, with the ribbon of the 1914 Iron Cross Second Class prominently displayed at the buttonhole.

The lower left bears issue number “5124” and the intertwined NPG trademark of the Neue Photographische Gesellschaft (New Photographic Society), a major German producer of photographic postcards. The lower right is credited “Hofphot. G. Berger, Potsdam,” identifying the original portrait as the work of Court Photographer G. Berger of Potsdam. The reverse has the conventional divided postcard layout with address lines and a triangular printer’s device within the stamp box. It remains unused and bears no written message, address, postage stamp, or cancellation.

Prince Oskar Karl Gustav Adolf of Prussia was born in Potsdam in 1888, the fifth son of Kaiser Wilhelm II and Kaiserin Auguste Viktoria. During the opening months of the First World War, he served in the field as colonel of Grenadier-Regiment “König Wilhelm I.” (2. Westpreußisches) Nr. 7. He received the Iron Cross Second Class following the regiment’s fighting at Virton on 22 August 1914 and was subsequently awarded the Iron Cross First Class after combat near Verdun in September.

The portrait belongs to the extensive body of officially circulated wartime imagery through which members of the Imperial Family were presented as active participants in Germany’s military effort. Unlike a formal court portrait laden with ceremonial decorations, this composition emphasizes Oskar’s field service through his practical cap, greatcoat, subdued setting, and newly earned Iron Cross ribbon.

The postcard remains in very good condition. The portrait is clear and retains strong sepia tonality, with only light handling wear, small edge and corner imperfections, and minor age-related surface marks. The unused reverse exhibits even toning and faint traces of storage consistent with its age. There are no substantial creases, tears, or written alterations.

This well-marked wartime postcard combines Hohenzollern royal interest with the military history of Prince Oskar’s active service. Its clear photographer’s credit, NPG trademark, original series number, unused reverse, and compelling field portrait make it a desirable addition to a collection of Imperial German royalty, Prussian military history, or First World War photographic ephemera.