Gold brooch from the ducal family of Saxe-Meiningen, circa 1890

Fine goldsmith work from the circle of Duchess Charlotte of Saxe-Meiningen

Exceptional brooch made of 585 gold (14 carats) from the circle of the ducal family of Saxe-Meiningen. The filigree brooch was probably created around 1890 and can be attributed to the immediate circle of Duchess Charlotte of Saxe-Meiningen, born Princess Victoria Elisabeth Augusta Charlotte of Prussia (1860–1919).

Victoria was a daughter of the future Emperor Frederick III and sister of Emperor Wilhelm II. Through her marriage to Duke Bernhard III, she became a member of the ducal house of Saxe-Meiningen. Jewelry from her circle is rarely found on the market and represents significant evidence of German court and family history.

Original case by court goldsmith Carl Bleyer in Meiningen

The original case is particularly interesting. On the outside of the lid, beneath a crown, is the following inscription:

Carl Bleyer · Court Goldsmith · Meiningen

The title Court Goldsmith indicates the jeweler's special status as a supplier to the ducal court of Saxe-Meiningen. Such court suppliers enjoyed high esteem and crafted jewelry, orders, and precious gifts for members of the high nobility and the ruling house.

Monogram beneath ducal crown

At the end of the gold brooch is the monogram “VSM” beneath a crown. The initials can be interpreted as a reference to Saxe-Meiningen and give the piece of jewelry a particularly personal and collectible character.

The fine craftsmanship and elegant design reflect the high quality of the goldsmith work created for members of the German high nobility.

Dimensions and condition

• Material: 585 gold (14 carats)
• Date of creation: circa 1890
• Length of the gold brooch: approx. 6 cm
• Dimensions of the case: approx. 9 × 2 × 3 cm (measured at the widest point)
• Monogram: VSM beneath crown
• Case: original with the inscription “Carl Bleyer · Court Goldsmith · Meiningen”
• Condition: very good condition

Rare collectible from the German high nobility

An exceptional piece of imperial and ducal history documenting the connection between the House of Hohenzollern and the Duchy of Saxe-Meiningen. Particularly interesting for collectors of the German Empire, court jewelers, court suppliers, Saxe-Meiningen, Prussia, noble jewelry, historic gold jewelry, and royal memorabilia.