Description
This is a very rare calling card from Otto von Bismarck, Chancellor to all three German Kaisers, Wilhelm I, Friedrich III, and Wilhelm II (if only briefly with the last). Initially he was Prussia’s Chancellor. Bismarck’s early career coincided with Germany’s growth and consolidation. Once Germany was unified under Prussia’s Wilhelm I as Germany’s first Emperor in 1871 (following the 1870-1871 Franco-Prussian War), Bismarck continued as the Imperial Chancellor. He remained in that position during Friedrich III’s brief reign. When Wilhelm II became Kaiser, however, the two men had major disagreements about Germany’s future direction. It was clear that they could not work together and von Bismarck was “retired.” The calling card is white and measures 2 1/8″ x 3 1/2.” The card is engraved in black ink and states very simply:
“Fürst von Bismarck
Reichskanzler”
When I hold this card, I just tingle at the thought that von Bismarck may have presented it to someone himself.
