Prussian Kaiser Wilhelm II Enamel Fundraising Badge

This is an enameled fundraising badge from Imperial Germany, produced during the First World War as part of patriotic and charitable campaigns. The badge is made of pressed metal with a brilliant royal blue enamel field bearing a crowned monogram “W” for Kaiser Wilhelm II. The ornate crown above the cipher symbolizes the German monarchy, while the three suspension loops at the top suggest it may originally have been worn with ribbons or additional pendants for specific events or societies.

Badges of this type were commonly sold during wartime “Kriegshilfsaktionen” (war relief efforts) to raise money for wounded veterans, widows, orphans, and various patriotic causes, much like the “U-Boot Spende” pins of the same era. The vivid enamel and decorative border gave these badges a jewelry-like quality, encouraging citizens to wear them proudly on lapels as visible tokens of loyalty to Kaiser and Reich.

The reverse features a simple pin-back construction, typical of ephemeral fundraising and commemorative pieces. While inexpensive to manufacture, such badges carried strong symbolic meaning in an era of heightened nationalism and were distributed widely at rallies, parades, and organized fundraising “spende” events.

Condition: The enamel surface shows good color retention with expected age wear and light edge loss. The pin assembly remains intact, though the metal back shows oxidation and wear from handling.

Historical Significance: These enamel “Wilhelm” badges are less commonly encountered than printed tinnies and carry higher collector appeal due to their color, durability, and direct association with Kaiser Wilhelm II. They stand as tangible artifacts of Germany’s mobilization of the home front through patriotic fundraising.