WILHELM II PRESENTATION SILVER AND DIAMOND PORTRAIT PIN

Description:

WILHELM II PRESENTATION SILVER AND DIAMOND PORTRAIT PIN
Extravagant sterling silver, diamond and spinel or rhinestone pin with an original miniature portrait of the Emperor, presented to an unknown lady. The pin, 3 x 1 1/2 in. overall, is assembled in two parts with an ornate crown at the top of the pin pave-set with 15 diamonds (two are lost). Suspended beneath the crown is a finely-executed oval portrait of Wilhelm II in a medal-bedecked uniform waist, up surrounded by 25 large white spinels or rhinestones, accentuating the emperor's portrait. The portrait is set into what appears to be a solid silver backing, and the reverse bears a finely engraved facsimile of Wilhelm II's signature. But for the few missing pave diamonds, this piece is in excellent condition. It is entirely possible that this fine piece of jewelry originally bore authentic diamonds which were removed and disposed of over the intervening years. Wilhelm gave similar diamond-encrusted pieces to his military favorites, not so much to present them with a fine piece of jewelry, but because he was not permitted to offer them cash gifts. If they found themselves in need of funds, the diamonds could be removed and sold, and later replaced with ersatz stones. A nice, attractive historic piece.