Gold Tie Pin from the Ducal House of Saxe-Meiningen, circa 1890

Fine Goldsmith Work from the Circle of Duchess Charlotte of Saxe-Meiningen

Exceptional 585 gold (14 karat) tie pin from the circle of the ducal family of Saxe-Meiningen. This finely crafted and highly delicate piece was most likely made around 1890 and can be associated with the immediate environment of Duchess Charlotte of Saxe-Meiningen, born Princess Victoria Elisabeth Augusta Charlotte of Prussia (1860–1919).

Victoria was a daughter of the later Emperor Frederick III and a sister of Emperor Wilhelm II. Through her marriage to Duke Bernhard III, she became a member of the ducal House of Saxe-Meiningen. Jewelry originating from her circle is rarely encountered on the market and represents an important testimony to German court and aristocratic history.

Original Case by Court Goldsmith Carl Bleyer of Meiningen

Particularly noteworthy is the original fitted case. Embossed on the outside of the lid beneath a crown is the inscription:

Carl Bleyer · Court Goldsmith · Meiningen

The title Court Goldsmith indicates the jeweler's privileged position as a supplier to the ducal court of Saxe-Meiningen. Such court-appointed craftsmen enjoyed great prestige and produced jewelry, decorations, and valuable presentation pieces for members of the high nobility and ruling houses.

The original case adds considerably to the historical significance and provenance of the piece, preserving its direct connection to one of the leading goldsmiths serving the ducal court.

VSM Monogram Beneath a Ducal Crown

At the end of the gold pin appears the monogram “VSM” beneath a crown. The initials may be interpreted as a reference to von Sachsen-Meiningen, lending the piece a particularly personal and collectible character.

The refined craftsmanship and elegant design reflect the highest standards of late nineteenth-century aristocratic goldsmith work. Its slender proportions and delicate execution embody the sophisticated taste of the German royal and ducal courts.

Measurements and Condition

• Material: 585 gold (14 karat)
• Date: circa 1890
• Length of pin: approximately 6 cm
• Case dimensions: approximately 9 × 2 × 3 cm (measured at the widest point)
• Monogram: VSM beneath a crown
• Case: original case embossed "Carl Bleyer · Court Goldsmith · Meiningen"
• Condition: very good antique condition

Rare Collector's Piece of Prussian and Ducal History

An exceptional example of Imperial German and ducal history, documenting the close connection between the House of Hohenzollern and the Duchy of Saxe-Meiningen. Pieces with such clear aristocratic provenance are seldom available and are highly desirable among collectors of historic royal memorabilia.

Particularly appealing for collectors of Imperial Germany, Prussian royalty, court jewelers, court suppliers, Saxe-Meiningen, aristocratic jewelry, historic gold jewelry, royal memorabilia, and objects related to Emperor Wilhelm II and the German princely houses.