Imperial presentation box from German Emperor Wilhelm II
A 14k red and yellow gold bombé-form box with richly chased Rococo Revival decor throughout. The lid with royal blue enamel decor, oak leaf and acanthus appliques and six prong-set paste stones, centrally inset with a miniature on ivory in a gilded frame surrounded by silver-set paste stones. Depicting the Emperor facing left, wearing a general's uniform and the insignia of the royal Hohenzollern order, the Order of the Red Eagle, and the Order of the Black Eagle. With an engraved dedication inside the lid "Kaiser Wilhelm II. an Oberstallmeister Adolf von Holzing Centenarfeier Berlin 1897". Hallmarks: German imperial hallmark with half moon and crown, maker's mark conjoined "WS", numbered 3756. Partial wear to the enamel, one small paste stone missing. 4 x 12 x 9.5 cm, weight 343.44 g.
Hanau, Carl Weishaupt & Söhne, circa 1897.
Adolf von Holzing (1823 - 1905), Master of Horse to the Grand Dukes of Baden, married Countess Amélie von Berstett, chief stewardess to Grand Duchess Luise of Baden, in 1864. She brought the castle and manor house of Bollschweil into the marriage and henceforth called herself Holzing-Berstett. Their son Max became a Major General in the Prussian army under Emperor Wilhelm II. The so-called Centenarfeier (centenary celebration) from 21st - 23rd March 1897 celebrated the 100th birthday of Emperor Wilhelm I, who passed away in 1888.
Provenance
Received as a gift from the German Emperor Wilhelm II in 1897 by Adolf von Holzing, Bollschweil Palace near Freiburg/Breisgau. Subsequently in family ownership.