Two Exceptional Memorative Pieces from the Estate of Crown Prince Wilhelm of Prussia

Imperial Provenance and Courtly Culture

This rare ensemble brings together two authentic memorabilia pieces associated with Crown Prince Wilhelm of Prussia (1882-1951), the eldest son of Emperor Wilhelm II and Empress Auguste Viktoria. Both objects reflect the representational culture of the German Imperial Court and offer a fascinating insight into the personal accessories of one of the most prominent members of the House of Hohenzollern.

The pieces are presented in a specially commissioned high-gloss piano-lacquer casket, providing an elegant and fitting setting for this distinguished ensemble.

Silver Cigarette Case by J. B. Werner, Berlin

The centerpiece is an elegant silver cigarette case with a fire-gilt interior. Beneath a gilt imperial crown on the exterior appears the gilt monogram “W”, representing Crown Prince Wilhelm. The high quality of craftsmanship underlines the exclusive character of this personal accessory from the household of the Prussian heir to the throne.

Inside, the case bears the mark of the Berlin jeweler J. B. Werner, a renowned goldsmith and silversmith firm celebrated during the Imperial era for serving a discerning clientele and producing luxury goods of exceptional quality. The crescent and crown hallmarks confirm manufacture within the German Empire.

The cigarette case remains in very good condition. It displays only a small dent on the reverse side. The wick has been replaced at a later date.

Dimensions: 6 × 9 × 2 cm
Weight: approx. 150 g

Presentation Pin by H. J. Wilm, Court Jeweler to the Imperial Household

The ensemble is complemented by a rare presentation pin in 800 silver, preserved in its original fitted case. The lid is embossed with a gilt crown, indicating its association with the Imperial Court.

The pin was produced by H. J. Wilm, Berlin, one of the most distinguished court jewelers of the German Empire. Founded in 1768, the firm served for generations as a principal supplier to the Prussian and later Imperial Court. Wilm produced orders, decorations, jewelry, and luxury silver objects for members of the House of Hohenzollern as well as numerous European royal families. Today, pieces bearing the signature of H. J. Wilm are highly sought-after examples of courtly craftsmanship.

Length of the presentation pin: 6 cm
Case dimensions: 9.5 × 3.5 × 2 cm

Original Caricature of the Crown Prince in the Casket Lid

A particular rarity is the original caricature of Crown Prince Wilhelm mounted inside the lid of the casket. The Crown Prince is depicted in a highly stylized manner, wearing uniform and holding a cigarette. Such caricatures were especially popular during the late Imperial period and throughout the First World War.

Members of the Imperial family, particularly Emperor Wilhelm II and Crown Prince Wilhelm, were among the most frequently caricatured public figures of their generation. Satirical artists drew upon the distinctive features of the ruling family and published their work in illustrated magazines, artists' portfolios, and humorous collections. While many caricatures offered political commentary, others were intended as light-hearted and private depictions that circulated within aristocratic and courtly circles.

The present drawing lends the ensemble an unusually personal character and complements the two objects with an engaging period document reflecting the social culture of the age.

A Rare Hohenzollern Collector's Ensemble

The combination of a personal cigarette case of Crown Prince Wilhelm, a presentation pin crafted by H. J. Wilm, the charming original caricature, and the refined presentation within a bespoke piano-lacquer casket makes this ensemble truly unique on the German market.

It represents an exceptional collector's piece for enthusiasts of Imperial Germany, Hohenzollern memorabilia, court jewelry, royal provenance, and the cultural history of the final generation of the German monarchy.