.jpg?w=1)
Lot Essay
The portrait on the caseback depicts Emperor Wilhelm I of Germany. Wilhelm rose to become the head of the Second German Empire in 1871 after a successful military career during the Franco-Prussian War of 1870. He ruled until his death in 1888.
While he was Emperor, much attention was given to his Prime Minister, Otto von Bismark, who ultimately would lead Germany into World War I. Wilhelm's grandson, Kaiser Wilhelm II, who was the German head of state during the First World War, was forced to abdecate the throne at the conclusion of the War.
While he was Emperor, much attention was given to his Prime Minister, Otto von Bismark, who ultimately would lead Germany into World War I. Wilhelm's grandson, Kaiser Wilhelm II, who was the German head of state during the First World War, was forced to abdecate the throne at the conclusion of the War.