Description
PRUSSIA – PHOTOGRAPHED – KAISER WILHELM II – SIGNED AND FRAMED
Beautiful period framed photograph of Kaiser Wilhelm II. This is the most well known photograph of him during WW I. It was produced in postcard form and was very much prized by the German people.
The frame is a handsome light brown quality wood. In each corner there is a brass button in the shape of a shield. There is a gold trim band on the inside of the frame. At the very top of the frame there is a band of brass oak leaves which measures. Atop the oak leaves we see a large brass Hohenzollern crown. Emblematic of the Kaiser and Imperial Germany. On the reverse we see an easel which when swung out would allow the frame to be displayed on a flat surface. There is a small crack at the top of the frame on the reverse which is not detrimental to the construction of the frame.
The photograph is laid on a white field and on this we see the distinctive signature of Wilhelm II and under his signature inscribed in his own hand is “1920″. This date of course comes from the time of his exile I Haus Doorn after he abdicated the German throne. During his exile Wilhelm signed many cards and letters. But few of one of his official photographs and far fewer a photograph of this size. This was a gift to a valued follower who took great pride in securing it in this high value frame.
The photograph itself shows Wilhelm in the field. He is dressed in a feldgrau tunic and trousers and wearing riding boots. His tunic is bedecked with medals and breast orders. He is wearing his Generalfeldmarschall shoulder boards and a large impressive aiguillette. He has his right hand on his sword and in his right is either a walking stick or his interim Generalfeldmarschall baton. It would have not been appropriate for him the carry his dress Generalfeldmarschall baton in the field. The final detail is him wearing a general officer pickelhaube with the canvas foul weather cover to protect the helmet.
Overall condition is excellent especially the photograph itself.
This is a consignment from a very experienced collector.
