Lot Essay
The monogram 'W' surmounted by the Prussian Royal crown with Royal insignia incorporating an orb, a sceptre and a sword was that of either Wilhelm I (1797-1888) or his grandson Wilhelm II (1859-1941) - both were German Kaisers and used a similar monogram. This unique and large kindjal was originally either a Russian Imperial presentation gift, presented by a Russian Emperor or a member of the Imperial Family, or was a special gift presented by one of the Cossack voiskos (armies) during one of the German Kaisers' visits to Russia or the Caucasus.
Due to their hereditary and diplomatic links, both Kaisers Wilhelm I and Wilhelm II became honorary chiefs of Russian regiments and received prestigious Russian orders throughout their reigns (Wilhelm I received the order of St George 1st Class in 1869). The presentation of an important kindjal, with such unique decoration, is therefore very much in line with the kind of gifts exchanged between Emperors of both countries.
While reigning as King of Prussia between 1861 and 1888, Wilhelm I and his Chancellor Otto von Bismarck, unified Germany and established the German Empire. Wilhelm I thus became the first Kaiser of Germany, reigning until 1888.
Wilhelm II was the last German Kaiser and King of Prussia. He ruled the German Empire and the Kingdom of Prussia from 1888 to 1918. His diplomatic influence extended beyond Germany and Prussia, however, as he was a grandson of Queen Victoria and related to many other monarchs and princes throughout Europe. Crowned in 1888, Wilhelm II dismissed Chancellor Otto von Bismarck in 1890 and undertook a bombastic new approach to foreign affairs. These policies culminated in Germany's support for Austria-Hungary in the crisis of July 1914 that led to World War I.
We have been unable to locate similar kindjals of this size and quality workmanship in either Russian museums or private collections.
Due to their hereditary and diplomatic links, both Kaisers Wilhelm I and Wilhelm II became honorary chiefs of Russian regiments and received prestigious Russian orders throughout their reigns (Wilhelm I received the order of St George 1st Class in 1869). The presentation of an important kindjal, with such unique decoration, is therefore very much in line with the kind of gifts exchanged between Emperors of both countries.
While reigning as King of Prussia between 1861 and 1888, Wilhelm I and his Chancellor Otto von Bismarck, unified Germany and established the German Empire. Wilhelm I thus became the first Kaiser of Germany, reigning until 1888.
Wilhelm II was the last German Kaiser and King of Prussia. He ruled the German Empire and the Kingdom of Prussia from 1888 to 1918. His diplomatic influence extended beyond Germany and Prussia, however, as he was a grandson of Queen Victoria and related to many other monarchs and princes throughout Europe. Crowned in 1888, Wilhelm II dismissed Chancellor Otto von Bismarck in 1890 and undertook a bombastic new approach to foreign affairs. These policies culminated in Germany's support for Austria-Hungary in the crisis of July 1914 that led to World War I.
We have been unable to locate similar kindjals of this size and quality workmanship in either Russian museums or private collections.