Rare Portrait Medal of Prince Adalbert of Prussia with Accompanying Card from 1915

Exceptional and historically significant portrait medal of Prince Adalbert of Prussia, dated 1915, with original accompanying card. The piece combines artistic quality with remarkable provenance and directly documents the creation of an official portrait from the circle of the German Imperial House.

Of particular note is the original card dated April 8, 1915, which proves that the portrait was made from a photographic model and expressly "at the request of His Royal Highness Prince Adalbert of Prussia." This gives the medal a direct connection to the patron and clearly distinguishes it from ordinary commemorative and memorial medals of the period.

Portrait of Prince Adalbert of Prussia

The obverse shows the bust of Prince Adalbert of Prussia (1884–1948) turned to the left. The Prince is depicted in uniform with an order star. The encircling inscription reads:

"ADALBERT PRINZ VON PREUSSEN"

Below the bust is the artist's signature:

"H. Peter"

The finely modeled depiction gives the medal a lively and representative character and meets the high artistic standards of official portrait medals from the Imperial era.

Reverse with Prussian Eagle and Chain of Orders

The reverse is dominated by a magnificently designed crowned Prussian eagle. Above it appears the Imperial Crown, while the eagle is surrounded by a decorative chain of orders with small Iron Crosses.

This motif directly links the medal to the Prussian Royal House and the symbolic world of the German Empire during World War I.

Hermann Peter – A Prominent Medallist of His Time

The medal was created by the Swiss sculptor and medallist Hermann Peter (1871–1930). After studying in Zurich and Munich and spending time in Rome and Paris, Peter became one of the most renowned medallists of his generation.

His works are distinguished by particularly fine modeling and a high degree of portrait likeness. His portrait medal of Prince Adalbert of Prussia received particular attention and was exhibited at an art exhibition in the Kronprinzenpalais in Berlin with the Prince's approval.

Historical Background

Prince Adalbert of Prussia was one of the best-known members of the House of Hohenzollern as a naval officer. During World War I, images of the Imperial House were frequently used for:

Patriotic commemorative medals

Charity events

War relief organizations

Benefit initiatives

and other purposes.

The creation of this medal coincided with the height of patriotic commemorative culture in 1915 and therefore possesses particular historical significance.

Artistic Execution and Production

The medal does not appear to be an industrial mass-striking from a state mint, but rather an artistic white-metal casting or an edition produced in small numbers.

The slightly softly modeled contours and the overall effect suggest a handcrafted, artistic production and emphasize its character as a collector's and commemorative piece.

Particularly Collectible

For collectors of Prussia, Emperor Wilhelm II, Prince Adalbert of Prussia, World War I militaria, and Hohenzollern memorabilia, this ensemble has a special appeal.

The following factors are particularly important in determining its value:

The original artist's card dated April 8, 1915

The explicit mention of the Prince as the patron

The signature of Hermann Peter

The original case

The documented history of its creation

The combination of the medal, accompanying card, and direct connection to the Prussian Prince makes this piece a rare and exceptionally well-documented historical record of the German Imperial House.