Imperial Water Goblet and Port Wine Glass Wilhelm II with IRW Monogram

Rare Court Glasses of the Prussian Imperial House in a Piano-Lacquer Case, Circa 1900

Both glasses, featuring a gold-colored imperial crown and the monogram “IRW” (Imperator Rex Wilhelm), are outstanding examples of the ceremonial drinking culture of the Prussian Imperial House under Emperor Wilhelm II. They were probably part of a larger court glass service and stood together with other glasses on the festively set imperial table.

The combination of the finely engraved imperial crown, the imperial IRW monogram, and the gold-colored decorations on the rim and base refers to the high-quality court glasses produced around 1900 for the imperial residences and official occasions.

Particularly characteristic are the gilded accents on the outer ring of the glass base as well as on the rim. Such designs are among the highest-quality examples of imperial glass from the era of the German Empire and continue the tradition of renowned manufacturers such as Josephinenhütte, Val Saint Lambert, or Baccarat.

Dimensions

• Water goblet: Height 9.5 cm
• Port wine glass: Height 12 cm

The glasses are delivered in an elegant piano-lacquer case, which further emphasizes their ceremonial appeal.

With their very good to excellent state of preservation, these glasses are among the rare surviving examples of court table culture from the reign of Emperor Wilhelm II. They represent an exceptional collector's item for enthusiasts of imperial court glass, historic tableware, Wilhelmina, Prussia, German Empire memorabilia, and significant objects of German history.