Description:

A fine grouping of four flags displayed on the automobile of German Kaiser WILHELM II (1859-1941) during official functions, includes: Wilhelm II's double sided Imperial standard, 17" x 16", constructed of yellow silk on a woven fabric core, clamp-dyed with a black Prussian eagle within a crowned gold shield at the center of a white-bordered black Iron Cross displaying the legend "Gott Mit Uns" and the date "1870". The central shield is encircled by a Collar of the Order of the Black Eagle. Each corner depicts a Hohenzollern crown and three black eagles. The reverse shows some soiling with a 3 1/2"separation to the stitching at upper left, intersected by a 1" tear, else very good. WITH: an Imperial Austrian standard, 14" x 16", double-sided and constructed of cotton fabric. It displays a clamp-dyed crowned Hapsburg eagle with a crest/shield on it's chest within a yellow field, surrounded by a 1 1/4" border with a continuous row of black/red/white/yellow triangles. Shows some running to the colors of the central eagle and border motif, causing staining to the fields on both sides, else very good. WITH: a double-sided Duchy of Saxe-Altenburg (Duke Ernst II) automobile fender flag, 16 1/4" x 16 1/4", of wool bunting and clamp-dyed with a curved green 1 1/2" wide band with alternating ball-tipped points and a trefoil leaf on a field of alternating yellow and black stripes. Shows minor soiling, else very good. WITH: a double-sided Hohenzollern Family automobile fender flag, 14"x 16", clamp-dyed with a multi-color crowned red curtain canopy over the two lions flanking a Prussian (black/white) shield, above the legend with "Nichts Ohne God" ("Nothing Without God"). Some red dye has bled into the white field, else very good. These three additional flags would have been flown during visits by the appropriate dignitaries. The flags are accompanied by a photocopy of a notarized L.S., 1p. 4to., Oldenburg, Feb. 15, 1988, from the daughter of a Wilhelm Geissinger to a previous buyer, indicating that her father served as a chauffeur to Wilhelm II's household from August 15, 1907, until Wilhelm's abdication in November of 1918, and that he retained them among his possessions following his departure from the position. Also present in a 3" x 6 1/2" b/w cabinet card photograph of Geissinger in his chauffeur's uniform, bearing the mark of a Potsdam studio photographer in gilt beneath the image and on the verso, with the black ink inscription "Wienachten ("Christmas") 1913", as well as a second 5 1/2" x 3 3/4" b/w candid photograph of Wilhelm II and the Crown Prince in the rear of his automobile. A museum-quality grouping.

Accepted Forms of Payment:

Discover, MasterCard, Money Order / Cashiers Check, Paypal, Personal Check, Visa, Wire Transfer

Shipping

Shipments are sent via USPS Priority, USPS International Priority, DHL (for most overseas shipments) or FedEx Ground at the auctioneer's option, signature is always required, unless other arrangements are made. Handling and shipping charges will be added to the invoice in one entry. Buyers should be aware that large, framed, fragile or odd shaped items can incur substantial shipping and packing charges. International shipments are invoiced by DIMENSIONAL weight, not the item weight. Please contact us for an estimate before bidding NOTE: Large, heavy or bulky items may not be shipped by the auctioneer - arrangements for shipping of these items via a third-party shipper may be arranged through the auction house. Customers who supply their own courier account number will still be charged a handling fee. Please allow 2-3 weeks for shipments after receipt of payment due to the high volume of packages being shipped.

May 1, 2019 10:00 AM EDT
Elkton, MD, US

Alexander Historical Auctions LLC

You agree to pay a buyer's premium of 30% and any applicable taxes and shipping.

View full terms and conditions

Bid Increments
From: To: Increments:
$0 $99 $10
$100 $499 $20
$500 $999 $50
$1,000 $1,999 $100
$2,000 $4,999 $250
$5,000 $9,999 $500
$10,000 $19,999 $1,000
$20,000 $49,999 $2,500
$50,000 $99,999 $5,000
$100,000 + $10,000