Silver frame for the silver wedding anniversary of Grand Duke Friedrich Franz IV. and Alexandra of Hanover

Memento from the circle of the Grand Ducal House of Mecklenburg-Schwerin

In 1904, Grand Duke Friedrich Franz IV. of Mecklenburg-Schwerin (April 9, 1882 in Palermo – November 17, 1945 in Flensburg) married Princess Alexandra of Hanover and Cumberland (September 29, 1882 at Schloss Ort near Gmunden – August 30, 1963 at Schloss Glücksburg). Alexandra came from the House of Hanover and became the last Grand Duchess of Mecklenburg-Schwerin through her marriage.

Silver wedding anniversary of the Grand Ducal couple in 1929

Twenty-five years after their wedding, the couple celebrated their silver wedding anniversary in 1929. For this significant anniversary, mementos and commemorative gifts were presented to members of the House of Mecklenburg-Schwerin, as well as to relatives and close friends of the princely house.

The silver picture frame offered here shows the couple in an oval medallion and is directly connected to this festive occasion. Such representative mementos document the bonds within the European ruling houses and were often presented as personal gifts.

Made by court jeweler R. Ratfisch

The frame's manufacturer is particularly noteworthy. R. Ratfisch was one of the renowned Berlin jewelers and court suppliers of the imperial era. The company produced high-quality silver and precious metal pieces for the upper middle class as well as for members of the German high nobility. Ratfisch's pieces are distinguished by their meticulous craftsmanship and elegant, understated design.

Silver pieces by R. Ratfisch are now rarely found on the art market and are particularly sought after when they have a direct connection to the German imperial house, the German federal princes, or significant historical figures.

Rare collector's item with aristocratic provenance

This high-quality silver frame combines artistic craftsmanship with exceptional historical significance. Its connection to the silver wedding anniversary of Grand Duke Friedrich Franz IV. and Alexandra of Hanover, its manufacture by the Berlin court jeweler R. Ratfisch, and its link to the Grand Duchy of Mecklenburg-Schwerin make the piece a remarkable collector's item.

This frame is a rare and historically significant piece, particularly for collectors of Imperial-era antiques, aristocratic memorabilia, court jeweler pieces, silver objects, Mecklenburgica, and objects from the German imperial house.

Dimensions: 14 x 14 cm