Antique Mess Jacket & Waistcoat of Prince Adalbert of Prussia ca. 1908 – Imperial German Navy & Court Dress
- Regular Price
- €4.500,00
- Sale Price
- €4.500,00
- Regular Price
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- per
Mess Jacket & Waistcoat of Prince Adalbert of Prussia, ca. 1908 – Imperial German Navy & Court Dress
Construction & Materials
This refined mess jacket and matching waistcoat, once owned by Prince Adalbert of Prussia (1884–1948), date to 1908 and exemplify the exceptional craftsmanship and formal elegance of early 20th‑century naval and court dress. Made from the finest dark blue cloth, the jacket features black silk facings on the lapels and a double row of gilded, crowned anchor buttons of the “Kaiserlicher Yacht‑Club (KYC)” across the front. Two side pockets and a smooth black silk lining highlight the garment’s superior quality.
Inside the collar lies a hand‑embroidered, crowned name label with the monogram “A”, confirming its attribution to Prince Adalbert. The accompanying waistcoat, crafted from the same luxurious material, mirrors the jacket’s high‑grade tailoring. Minor tears and repairs in the white sleeve lining, along with light signs of wear, attest to its authentic historical use.
Historical Context & Naval Career
Prince Adalbert, the third son of Kaiser Wilhelm II, received his early military education on the Prinzeninsel and in the Prinzenhaus at Plön Castle. On 31 May 1894, he entered the Imperial German Navy and later attended the Naval Academy in Kiel, where he trained as a naval officer.
The present mess jacket reflects the formal style of 1908: a waist‑length evening jacket worn in naval and aristocratic circles for dinners, receptions, and ceremonial occasions. Typical features include its short cut, the non‑fastening double‑breasted front or single‑breasted closure, and shawl or peak lapels, all characteristic of early 20th‑century formal attire.
Collecting Significance
Garments attributed to members of the Hohenzollern family are exceptionally rare on the market. The combination of provenance, condition, and naval‑courtly function makes this ensemble a highly desirable piece for collectors of Imperial German uniforms, royal memorabilia, and early 20th‑century aristocratic dress.