Description:

Wilhelm II of Germany Kaiser

Wilhelm II SP Showing Exiled Ex-Kaiser with Dachshund

 

Gelatin silver print photograph of Wilhelm II (1859-1941), the former German Emperor and King of Prussia, inscribed, dated, and signed by him in blue crayon at lower right as "Wilhelm / R / Doorn 1923". The exiled Kaiser signed the photo at his country home in Huis Doorn, Netherlands in 1923, five years after he abdicated the German throne and fled into exile. Significantly, Wilhelm's signature did not reflect his change in status; he has stubbornly maintained his honorary "Rex" title. Lightly pencil-inscribed verso. Expected light surface wear and minor silvering along the top edge, else near fine. 3.375" x 5.375".

 

The photo shows the deposed monarch seated on a garden bench accompanied by a glossy-haired dachshund. Wilhelm II positioned himself so that his left arm, damaged after a traumatic birth injury, would be obscured from the camera. Wilhelm's left arm was six inches shorter than his right, and partly paralyzed. He typically posed with canes or other props (like in this photo) to conceal this fact.

 

Wilhelm II had been forced to abdicate in November 1918 after his military forces and high government officials abandoned him. The Hohenzollern monarchy thus abolished, a republic was proclaimed. A punitive clause in the Treaty of Versailles demanding that Wilhelm II be criminally prosecuted for his role in precipitating World War I was never acted upon, as the Netherlands prevented extradition. Wilhelm lived the rest of his life in exile, dying in 1941.

 

This item comes with a Certificate from John Reznikoff, a premier authenticator for both major 3rd party authentication services, PSA and JSA (James Spence Authentications), as well as numerous auction houses.

 

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