German Silver Presentation Soup Tureen and Ladle, Honoring the Marriage of Princess Pauline von Württemberg

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Bearing the mark of Wilhelm Binder, Schwäbisch Gmünd, Germany, .800 silver, dated 1898, this monumental presentation piece commemorates the marriage of Princess Pauline Olga Helene Emma of Württemberg (1877–1965) and Prince Wilhelm Friedrich Hermann Otto Karl, 6th Prince of Wied (1872–1945). One side is engraved with the presentation inscription: "Ihrer Königlichen Hoheit der Prinzessin Pauline von Württemberg zur Vermählung in tiefster Ehrfurcht gewidmet von der Stadt und dem Bezirk Schwäbisch Gmünd," translated as, "Dedicated to Her Royal Highness Princess Pauline of Württemberg on the occasion of her marriage, with deepest respect, by the City and District of Schwäbisch Gmünd." The reverse displays the combined heraldic arms of the two noble houses. Executed in the Art Nouveau style, the vessel is flanked by a stag and a crowned lion, emblematic of the Houses of Württemberg and Wied, respectively. The cover is surmounted by an allegorical female figure in armor wearing a mural crown, holding an enameled shield bearing a unicorn and a small attendant figure, symbolizing civic loyalty, strength, and dynastic union.

23 x 16 x 13 in.

212 troy oz.

The Collection of the Late Victor and Gloria Wilkerson, Durham, North Carolina

Princess Pauline Olga Helene Emma of Württemberg (1877–1965) was the only surviving child of King William II of Württemberg, the last reigning King of Württemberg, and Princess Marie of Waldeck and Pyrmont. Through her mother's family, she was a first cousin of Queen Wilhelmina of the Netherlands, placing her among the closely connected royal houses of Europe. On October 29, 1898, Pauline married Wilhelm Friedrich Hermann Otto Karl (1872–1945), then Hereditary Prince and later 6th Prince of Wied, in a celebrated dynastic union between the royal House of Württemberg and the princely House of Wied. Following Wilhelm's succession in 1907, the couple became Prince and Princess of Wied and had two sons, through whom the Wied family continues today.

Very good condition, spot of corrosion to the foot.