Rare Kaiser Wilhelm 1 Memento Mori Tintype Locket & 2 Fob Intaglio Antique READ

Description: Rare Kaiser Wilhelm 1 (William I) Memento Mori Tintype & Dual Wax Seal Fob READ. This 1800s Memento Mori locket and intaglio features a very important historical figure; Kaiser Wilhelm I , Emperor of Germany and King of Prussia. The image of the Kaiser in military dress is surrounded by the typical applied black background of a mourning locket. What is fascinating about this piece is that the locket opens in the rear to reveal a small padded chamber that still contains a few scant silver hairs still attached to the cloth when examined closely. It was common for Mourning Jewelry to include the hair of the deceased- and while I cannot say for sure whether this piece once held a larger locket of the Kaisers hair - it is an interesting possibility. I am not sure the type of image contained behind the glass in the locket. It seems to definitely not be an ambrotype, it is possible a daguerrotype or an early tin type- it definitely is not just cheaply printed paper. It is an excellent high quality piece for collectors of antiques and royal items, display, gifting, museums / educational institutions, and more. ( Discounts are available for museums or educational institutions, please feel free to reach out and inquire about them) Unfortunately there is some small amount of natural damage to the image right around his chin area, obscuring his famous mutton chops, as well as a few medals. I have included in the photos an image of Wilhelm I from around 1857 (for reference only- photo not included), which clearly shows him not only in the exact dress, but also with his hair the same way and face at the same angle. After closely examining the uniform, medals, mustache, eyes, brow, and ears, along with other factors; I believe it to be the Kaiser himself. To my knowledge it is a one of one piece, if other examples were created is highly unlikely they have survived without being encased in a locket like this one has been. I have NOT removed the image nor attempted to do so- I believe it may cause extreme damage. Even a fingers touch can ruin parts of a tin type or daguerreotype, and this one would only need one touch. I strongly advise the buyer to also leave it be unless they are having it restored professionally. I believe this piece may have originally been created as a mourning locket for perhaps someone close to the Royal Family, or an important foreigner. I have not tested the metal of either part. The photo locket appears to be silver plated brass, with some of the plating beginning to wear off. The metal of the intaglio fob piece may be solid gold, or rolled / plated. I have not tested it to avoid damage if it does turn out to be plated. Testing is at buyer’s discretion. According to the previous owner, the piece was purchased in a whole-estate buyout when they bought the contents of one of Pittsburghs exquisite mansions before it was torn down. They kept it connected exactly as they had found it, and I intend to do the same, they were attached for a reason, though why is lost to time. Perhaps it was given to some previous titan of industry as a keepsake, or was picked up in a wealthy persons travels around the globe, as was common. Unfortunately I am unable to trace the provenance farther back, or find another item like it. Thank you for reading, and your consideration. Comes as shown, please see photos for details and measurements. Please feel free to reach out with any questions you may have. Your item will be packed with extreme care and insured when shipped. (Shipping charge is only to cover wrapping materials and insurance cost)

Price: 399 USD

Location: Allison Park, Pennsylvania

End Time: 2024-10-08T23:12:39.000Z

Shipping Cost: 0 USD