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Antique 1888 Kaiser Wilhelm I death commemorative medal pendant, featuring a signed LOOS portrait and an allegorical mourning scene. This miniature German Imperial collectible commemorates the death of Wilhelm I, German Emperor and King of Prussia, on 9 March 1888.
The double-sided medal retains its attached suspension loop and combines a detailed imperial portrait with classical funerary imagery.
Portrait side: Laurel-wreathed bust of Wilhelm I facing right, surrounded by the raised inscription “WILHELM DEUTSCHER KAISER.” The LOOS signature appears beneath the portrait, with a beaded border around the design.
Memorial side: Seated Clio, the personification of History, holding an open book beside the standing winged Genius of Death, commonly described as the Angel of Death. The winged figure carries a lowered torch. Beneath the scene is the commemorative inscription “† D. 9. MARZ / 1888.”
The reverse draws on an earlier Prussian royal mourning composition, connecting this small pendant with the nineteenth-century tradition of allegorical memorial medals.
An interesting addition to a collection of Kaiser Wilhelm I memorabilia, Prussian royal commemoratives, German Empire medals, European exonumia or antique mourning pendants.
Measurements and material
Diameter: approximately 5/8 inch across, excluding the loop — approximately 16 mm.
Weight: 2.3 grams.
Attached suspension loop.
Pendant only; no chain use, wear, scratches, loss of detail and patina. Both sides exhibit surface scratches and fine hairlines, with rubbing and flattening of raised details, particularly the portrait and the reverse figures. The surfaces show uneven brightness and darker toning, including around the rim and suspension loop.
The principal designs, LOOS signature and dated memorial inscription remain identifiable. Please examine all photographs closely for the surface condition, detail and loop attachment. You will receive the exact pendant pictured.
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Your pendant will be carefully protected, securely packaged and shipped with tracking.
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Item specifics
TypeCommemorative Medal / PendantYear1888Country of OriginGermanyHistorical RegionPrussia / German EmpireSubjectKaiser Wilhelm IOccasionDeath Commemoration / MourningDate Commemorated9 March 5/8 inch / 16 mm, excluding loopWeight2.3 gShapeRoundFeaturesDouble-sided relief; LOOS signature; suspension loop
