Description
In Imperial Germany, the primary royal yacht was the opulent S. M. Y. Hohenzollern. In fact, three Hohenzollerns were commissioned, although the third was never actually completed due to WW I’s beginning. That said, the royal “fleet” had other ships. One was the S. M. Y. Meteor, and the other was the S. M. Y. Iduna. The Meteor was a racing sloop that was used by Kaiser Wilhelm II in his role as the Kaiserlicher Yacht Club’s Commodore. The S. M. Y. Iduna was a sailing vessel that was considered Kaiserin Augusta Viktoria’s official yacht. Today we are offering a colorful, interesting plate from the S. M. Y. Iduna. The plate is quite large, measuring 10 1/4″ in diameter. It is trimmed around its edges in a green and red chevron design. In the plate’s center is a red shield that measures 5″ x 4 1/4.” A large white goose is displayed on the shield, with the Kaiserin’s crown hanging down around its neck. The reverse sports KPM’s hallmark. KPM produced Hohenzollern tableware going back to Frederick the Great’s time. We also note the initials “E. F.” in black. The reverse’s final details are the holes that have been drilled into the base’s rim. This allows what appears to be modern fishing line to serve as a handy plate hanger. Thus, one has the option of hanging it on the wall or displaying it on a stand. The S. M. Y. Iduna’s table service was VERY limited compared that aboard the S. M. Y. Hohenzollern or back on land, since it was a smaller vessel. Guests aboard the S. M. Y. Iduna came in much smaller numbers, so the place settings would have reflected a more intimate gathering with family and friends.
