Imperial-Era Wine Glass with the Monogram of Emperor Wilhelm II., c. 1900

An exceptional and representative Imperial-era wine glass, made around 1900, distinguished by its elegant form and imperial decoration. The glass has the classic shape of a goblet and embodies the refined table culture of the German Empire during the reign of Emperor Wilhelm II.

Particularly appealing is the combination of fine, colorless glass, elaborate gilding, and the imperial monogram beneath a crown. Comparable glasses bearing the monogram “WR” are attributed to the circle of Emperor Wilhelm II. and are typical examples of the representative court and festive culture of the Wilhelmine era.

Imperial Elegance and High-Quality Craftsmanship

The glass is distinguished by its harmonious proportions and high-quality craftsmanship. The funnel-shaped, flared bowl rests on a slender stem with a faceted baluster and a cut-glass knop. The fine gilding on the rim and foot gives the piece a particularly elegant appearance.

Further features:

Colorless glass

Gilded rim

Gilded foot

Faceted knop in the stem

Elegant faceted baluster stem

Funnel-shaped, flared bowl

Golden monogram “WR” beneath the Prussian royal crown

The Monogram “WR” for Wilhelm Rex

On the front is the gilded monogram “WR” (Wilhelm Rex) beneath a crown. This royal cipher represents Emperor Wilhelm II. (1859–1941) and appears on numerous courtly objects of use and gifts from the period.

Such glasses were frequently made for representative banquets, official occasions, or as keepsakes. The monogram underscores the connection to imperial court culture and makes the glass a highly sought-after Imperial-era collector’s item.

Typical Glass of the Wilhelmine Era

The combination of a historicizing goblet shape, fine gold detailing, and imperial monogram decoration corresponds to the taste of the period around the turn of the century. Stylistically, the glass can be classified among the high-quality production of renowned German or Silesian glassworks, which produced pieces for the nobility, the court, and the wealthy bourgeoisie.

Today, this glass represents an attractive object for collectors of Imperial-era memorabilia, Prussia, Emperor Wilhelm II., historic glass, and courtly table culture.

Dimensions

Height: 17 cm

Diameter of the bowl: 7 cm

A decorative and historically interesting Imperial-era wine glass with the monogram of Emperor Wilhelm II., which impressively reflects the elegance and representative character of the Wilhelmine era.