Description
POSTCARD – KAISER WILHELM II AND ADMIRAL GEORG ALEXANDER VON MÜLLER
This is a WW I era postcard that was part of a very popular postcard series known as “Kriegskarten.” Its subjects are Kaiser Wilhelm II (1859-1941) and Admiral Georg Alexander von Müller (1854-1940). Von Müller first joined the Imperial German Navy in 1871 during Kaiser Wilhelm I’s (1787-1888) reign, when the Prussian/German Navy was little more than a coastal navy. He rose in rank, becoming Alfred von Tirpitz’s protegee. He held several ship commands, including the Battleship S.M.S. Wettin. He also served as adjutant to both Kaiser Wilhelm II and to his brother, Prinz Heinrich. He was appointed to the head the “Marine-Kabinett” (Navy Cabinet) in 1906, retaining the position until he retired in 1918.
The postcard shows the Kaiser wearing a General’s uniform and pickelhaube. He holds the Interim Generalfeldmarschall’s Baton in one hand, while the other hand rests on a sword. Von Müller wears a Naval Admiral’s Frock Coat, a Summer Officer’s Schirmmütze, and a sword. He sports a Breast Star and a Medal Bar on his coat. The two men are having a friendly discussion.
