Cousins At War! Kaiser Wilhelm Signed Appointment & - Jan 06, 2022 | University Archives In Ct
LiveAuctioneers Logo

lots of lots

Cousins at War! Kaiser Wilhelm Signed Appointment &

Related Maps & Atlases

More Items in Maps & Atlases

View More

Recommended Transportation & Travel Collectibles

View More
item-119277321=1
item-119277321=2
item-119277321=3
item-119277321=4
item-119277321=5
item-119277321=6
item-119277321=7
Cousins at War! Kaiser Wilhelm Signed Appointment &
Cousins at War! Kaiser Wilhelm Signed Appointment &
Item Details
Description

Cousins at War! Kaiser Wilhelm Signed Appointment & King Albert I of Belgium ALS

A group of two signed items by notable WWI figures, Kaiser Wilhelm II and King Albert I of Belgium. The first is a 1912 Imperial Promotion of German Officer Axel von Petersdorff. 3pp of a bifolium, measuring 8.5" x 14.25", Berlin, dated February 20, 1912. Signed "Wilhelm" in German as King of Prussia. The document promotes von Petersdorff to Lieutenant Colonel. An embossed three-inch diameter seal is present at the left of the Kaiser's bold signature. Flattened folds and lightly toned edges. Faint areas of ink transference on internal pages. Minor soiling on the fourth blank page. Large and bold signature by Wilhelm.

The second item is an Autograph Letter Signed by King Albert I of Belgium. 1p, measuring 5.25" x 6.875", Brussels, dated June 29, 1919. Signed "Albert", the letter congratulates the members of the Howard Savings Institute on their work and sends his regards, writing "…I send to all the members my sympathetic message and my deep admiration for the gallantry and heroism displayed by the American soldiers." Written on personal stationery, mounted and framed along with an identification card to the overall size of 9" x 15.25". The letter has flattened mail folds and a large, bold signature.

Wilhelm was the eldest son of Kaiser Frederick III and Princess Victoria (Queen Victoria's eldest daughter). The document was signed just two years prior to the outbreak of the First World War. Many believe that the Kaiser's tactless public statements and erratic foreign policy greatly antagonized the international community and are
one of the underlying causes for WWI.

King Albert I of Belgium ascended to the throne on December 23, 1909, and was a cousin of Kaiser Wilhelm. At the start of WWI, Albert refused Germany's request to grant German troops safe passage through Belgium in order to attack France. His denial led to a German invasion, which in turn brought Britain into the war. King Albert would go on to lead his Belgian troops through numerous battles, on the front lines, and in the trenches. At the end of the war, he led the final offensive at the Fifth Battle of Ypres. Tragically, Albert died in a mountaineering accident in 1934 at the age of 58.

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.

WE PROVIDE IN-HOUSE SHIPPING WORLDWIDE!

Buyer's Premium
  • 25%

Cousins at War! Kaiser Wilhelm Signed Appointment &

Estimate $300 - $400
See Sold Price
Starting Price $100
3 bidders are watching this item.

Shipping & Pickup Options
Item located in Wilton, CT, us
Offers In-House Shipping
Local Pickup Available

Payment

University Archives

University Archives

badge TOP RATED
Wilton, CT, United States2,866 Followers
Auction Curated By
John Reznikoff
President
TOP