Lot Essay
The crowned monogram is that of Wilhelm II, Viktor Albert, German Emperor and King of Prussia (1859-1941, ruled 1888-1918). He married on the 27 February 1881 Auguste Viktoria (1858-1921), eldest daughter of Friedrick, Duke of Schleswig-Holstein-Sonderburg-Augustenburg. A great deal of important silver was made to celebrate this marriage and these candelabra were almost certainly made for this occasion. Much of the silver made to celebrate the marriage remains in Huis Doorn in the Netherlands where the Princess died in 1921 following the abdication of her husband three years earlier (see H. Schadt and I. Schneider, Kaiserliches Gold und Silber Schatz der Hohenzollern aus dem Schloss Huis Doorn, Berlin, 1985, pp. 132-133). A number of pieces also connected with this marriage was sold at Christie's Geneva, 17 November, 1992 lots 136, 139 etc.. A magnificent enamelled parcel-gilt silver tea-service with presentation inscription to the Royal couple on their wedding was sold at Christie's Geneva, 19 May, 1998 lot 33.
Heinrich Friedberg was born in 1819 in St. Petersburg, son of Samuel Friedberg, jeweller. Together with his brother Wilhelm he formed the firm of S. Friedberg Soehne in Berlin. The firm became Court-Jeweller to the Prince of Prussia. The workshop was located at 40 Unter-den-Linden. In 1867, the firm became also a Court-Jeweller to the Emperor of Russia. Heinrich died in 1885.
Heinrich Friedberg was born in 1819 in St. Petersburg, son of Samuel Friedberg, jeweller. Together with his brother Wilhelm he formed the firm of S. Friedberg Soehne in Berlin. The firm became Court-Jeweller to the Prince of Prussia. The workshop was located at 40 Unter-den-Linden. In 1867, the firm became also a Court-Jeweller to the Emperor of Russia. Heinrich died in 1885.