Der Rittmeister Militaria, LLC. Imperial German Merchandise, Page 3: Patriotic Boxes (Large & Small), Cigarette Cases, Royalty Cigarette Cases, and Royalty boxes. Updated on: 12 March 2010. Contact us @: rittmeister@earthlink.net

Click here for Links to our Merchandise & Content Pages. This is just a sample of the wide variety of high quality items that we offer in our ever changing inventory!

New items on Bala's Bargain Bin, our clearance page, effective
19 July 2009!!

AND

Kyri's Kurio Korner, featuring great little items from a
cute little cat -- at reduced prices! Effective 19 July 2009!!

Cigarette Cases & Boxes

 

20-133 PRESENTATION GIFT SET, CIGARETTE AND MATCH CASE IN DELUXE LEATHER CASE FROM KAISER WILHELM II TO A NAVAL OFFICER. Nothing shows the grandeur and power of the German Empire more than the gifts Kaiser Wilhelm II granted to his subjects and special acquaintances. I have a special interest in royalty items. The various gifts Wilhelm II bestowed "speak" to me. The incredible high quality and beauty of these items take one’s breath away. These gifts include busts, swords, stickpins, watches, rings, etc., etc. Today we offer one of the most beautiful Kaiser gifts I have seen so far. Our featured item was the top find of our recently-completed trip to Germany. We start with its ravishing, red, Moroccan-leather-fitted case. It measures 6 3/4" x 5 ½" x 1." An elegant, gold-trim design completely encircles the case. The case’s center spotlights an applied, gilt, Hohenzollern Crown. The Prussian royal stole flows down from the crown. Inside, the case is lined with purple silk at the top. Embossed in gold across the silk liner is the name of one of the Kaiser’s most important house jewelers. It reads, "Gebr. Friedlander Hof-Juwaleltere Sr. Maj. d. Kaisers Berlin W." A Hohenzollern Crown is also embossed over this in gold. [A word or two about Friedlander is in order here. The four best-known royal house jewelers during the Imperial period were: Godet & Sohn, Wagner & Sohn, Cy & Wagner, and Gebrüder Friedlander. Godet and Wagner are perhaps a little better-known, as both produced superb orders and decorations. The fact is, Friedlander was equally as skilled in making orders and decorations. Interestingly, awarded Ordens Pour le Mérite were most often produced by Wagner & Sohn AND Gebrüder Friedlander! When it came to producing royal gifts such as this one, Friedlander and Cy & Wagner were the best in the field. All of the best such pieces I have seen were produced by these two firms]. The bottom portion of the case also is covered in purple velvet. The base section contains cutout resting places for the two "stars" of this royal presentation. First is a superb silver cigarette case, with a textured finish that looks like silvery bark. This case measures 3 ½" x 3" x ½." In the upper left corner is an engraved cypher "W" with a Hohenzollern Crown. The crown and cypher are highlighted with inlaid GOLD and rose-colored diamonds! The rose-colored diamonds give the crown and cypher an interesting cast. It is more subdued and elegant than white diamonds. I just love holding this case under artificial light and turning it in my hands so the light catches the highlights of these small diamonds. I have seen many fine cigarette cases given as gifts by Wilhelm II, but I have never seen one encrusted with diamonds, nor at this quality-level. The crown displays FIVE of the small, rose-colored diamonds, while the Wilhelm Cypher has no less than THIRTY-SEVEN. The button that opens the cigarette case is a cabochon sapphire. As beautiful as is the exterior, the interior is equally stunning. The interior is gilt, which offsets the silver exterior quite handsomely. Sitting exactly where the cypher is on the obverse is another Wilhelm Cypher on the left side of the case. Below that cypher is the inscription of the award from "His Majesty the Kaiser an Honor Prize for a Tennis Competition in 1901 to a Navy Oberleutnant zur See Robertson." (Ehrenpreis Sr. Maj. des Kaisers im Tenniswettspiel gewonnen von Oberleutnant zur See Robertson 1901). To the right are all the correct markings for Friedlander and .900 silver. The two elastic restrainers for cigarettes remain in place. The corresponding match case measures 1 ½"" x 2" x 1/4." It features a smaller, rose-diamond-encrusted Wilhelm Cypher and Hohenzollern Crown. The lid flips up in the same manner as a modern lighter. A number of matches could be housed inside. At the bottom of the case is a striking surface. I do not see markings for Friedlander on the smaller case; however, I have no doubt it was produced in the same manner and by the same firm as the cigarette case. This, my dear readers is as sumptuous a cigarette case as was produced during the thirty years that Kaiser Wilhelm II sat on Germany’s throne. Unquestionably, it is the most important Kaiser gift that I have offered. The fact it was presented to a naval officer does not hurt, either. [As an aside, Oberleutnant zur See Robertson, in spite of what looks like a non-German surname, was indeed a German naval officer. He went on to become a Korvettenkapitän during WW I in an administrative post]. $7,495.00   

 

(Click here for more images)

 

20-257 PRESENTATION CIGARETTE CASE - PRINZ ADALBERT von PREUßEN. Prinz Adalbert was the only one of Kaiser Wilhelm’s six sons who served in the Kaiserliche Marine. All the other boys served the Army in one capacity or another. (The Kaiser’s eldest son, Kronprinz Wilhelm, served as an Armee field commander). This unusual wooden cigarette case sports Prinz Adalbert’s royal cypher, and measures 3 3/4" x 3 1/4." The wood (it might be cedar, judging from its grain) has a burled finish. It shows some scratching, but one must search carefully to discover it. Prinz Adalbert’s crowned "A" cypher appears in GOLD on the obverse. The case has a silver frame that secures its wooden sections. The case’s side is hallmarked with .925 silver, a moon, and a Hohenzollern Crown per Kaiser Wilhelm I’s 1885 royal decree. To the right is the manufacturer’s hallmark, a triangle, which appears within a circle, along with two more circles and marks in the triangle’s three corners. I am not familiar with this manufacturer (readers?). This is a terrific cigarette case, either owned by a royal, or given by one as a gift to a lucky recipient. Kaiser Wilhelm II was far more liberal in giving gifts than any of his sons. Gifts from any of the Hohenzollern Princes are quite scarce. I have had the privilege of offering royal gifts from the Kaiser and the Kronprinz, but this is the first time I have had anything from any of Kaiser Wilhelm II’s other sons. $2,995.00

 

(Click here for more images)

 

 

20-258 PRESENTATION CIGARETTE CASE - PRINZ ADALBERT von PREUßEN. Prinz Adalbert was the only one of Kaiser Wilhelm II's six sons who served in the Kaiserliche Marine. All the other boys served the Army in one capacity or another. (The Kaiser’s eldest son, Kronprinz Wilhelm, served as an Armee field commander). This large (far larger than most I have seen) cigarette case is silver-toned. It measures 3 1/4" x 5 1/4." The case’s dimple-patterned exterior rather resembles silver snake-skin. Its interior, which measures 6" x 5 1/4" when fully opened, is covered with a gold wash finish. Engraved in the interior’s left half is Prinz Adalbert’s reproduced signature, along with a personalized dedication to the "Kommandeur I/M. B./R 4." The dedication concludes "In dankbarer Kameradshaft Teuerden 1916" (In grateful, dearest comradeship, 1916). (One speculates that Prinz Adalbert gave cigarette cases like it to several men who served with him in this unit).
The elastic strap that held the cigarettes in place is long gone. The case’s side catch is hallmarked underneath for .800 silver and its manufacturer, and sports a moon, and a Hohenzollern Crown per Kaiser Wilhelm I’s 1885 royal decree. It is a high-quality cigarette case, given by a member of the royal family. Kaiser Wilhelm II was far more liberal in giving gifts than any of his sons. Gifts from any of the Hohenzollern Princes are quite scarce. I have had the privilege of offering royal gifts from the Kaiser and the Kronprinz, but this is the first time I have had anything from any of Kaiser Wilhelm II’s other sons. $1,995.00

 

(Click here for more images)

 

 

03-87 METAL TOBACCO BOX - FREDERICK THE GREAT’S TIME. This is a highly unusual, detailed metal tobacco box from 1750 to 1775, during Frederick the Great’s (Friedrich der Große) reign. He was the first of the well-known Prussian kings, the man who set Prussia (later Germany) on its course toward a greater role in European politics. The brass box measures 6 1/4" x 1 3/4," and weighs 6 ounces. The box is hinged. The box’s top depicts the Prussian Army at battle. Part of the battlefield is labeled "Prussian Armee," while the other section is labeled "Schwerin’s Armee." It is all dated 6 May 1757. To the left is a description of the action in which the Prussian Army vanquished the Austrians. To the right, the King of Prussia and his (period) military commanders are listed. The box’s bottom reveals a scene where mounted generals looking down at a battle in a valley. The date, 31 July 1760, and the battle’s name are mentioned. The wording on the top and bottom has faded somewhat from age. The box’s bottom half has some damage to one corner, where a 3/4" portion of the metal trim is missing. This is an amazing piece that depicts Germany’s military history of more than two-hundred-fifty-years ago. $750.00

(Click here for more images)

14-288 AVIATION-RELATED CIGARETTE BOX. This is a metal box measuring 3 1/4" x 5" x 1 1/4." At first glance one would think this box is made of a burled wood. In fact, it has been painted to give it just such an appearance. It is actually metal! Mounted on the lid is the propeller of an airplane. Some leaves are intertwined between the blades of the propeller and the center hub. This device is silver-toned. It looks most handsome affixed to the top of the box. Inside, the box is lined with cedar, which would have been ideal for protecting the freshness of tobacco products. Thus, this box probably was intended to hold cigarettes on the desk of an aviator. I cannot tell if this is wartime production or postwar. It is interesting and reasonably priced. $125.00. . .

(Click here for more images)

03-37 CHRISTMAS CIGARETTE CASE. This is a very attractive cigarette case commemorating Weihnachten (Christmas) 1916. This information is displayed on the outside lid along with "Hohenlohe," which is a place. There is also an enamel badge in the lower right corner that has what appears to be initials and a "2". This may be for a military unit. The enamel is three different colors. The case is marked for Alpaca Silver on the catch to open the case. The case measures 3 ½" x 3." There are no elastic keepers in the interior. A very handsome and high-quality cigarette case. $395.00

 

 

(Click here for more images)

03-43 CIGARETTE CASE. This a squarish cigarette case, which measures 3 1/4" x 3 ½". It has a pebbled black finish. It sports a small 1914 Iron Cross in the upper left corner. One of the two elastic keepers in the interior is present. The overall condition would rate very fine. $175.00.

(Click here for more images)

21-47 XLD ZEPPELIN CIGARETTE CASE. This is a very high-quality cigarette case that has a full-sized Commemorative Airship Badge on the front. Also on the front of the case are the initials "HS," engraved in the upper left corner. There are some designs engraved into the exterior of the cigarette case. On the catch the case is marked Alpaca, which denotes that the makeup of the case is essentially nickel (German silver). Both elastic keepers in the interior of the case are present. The case has a nice patina to it. Overall, it is in fine condition. $1,050.00 Reduced to $895.00!!

 

(Click here for more images)

 

 

(Click here for more images

03-70 CIGARETTE TIN. In Imperial Germany, most cigarettes came in tin boxes of varying sizes. The manufacturers produced these tins in ranges from 20 to 25 to 50 or 100 cigarettes. Many different types of cigarettes were advertised in a multitude of ways. Also, it was common to be given cigarette cards with one’s purchase. These could be for a variety of subjects, like orders and decorations, uniforms, etc. This box, which measures 3" x 2 3/4" holds twenty cigarettes. It is for the brand "The Duke of Edinbourgh Flaggengala," which was manufactured by the firm Garbaty in Berlin-Pankow. It is in very fine condition. $80.00   

(Click here for more images)  

 

 

03-84 SMALL BOX FOR THE VÖLKERSCHLACHTDENKMAL IN LEIPZIG. This is a small box which measures 2 1/2" x 2 1/2" x 1 1/2" and which commemorates the Völkerschlachtdenkmal in Leipzig. This is a massive monument which was dedicated in 1913 to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the Napoleonic wars. This was a major year in German history and there was much going on to honor German’s role in these wars. This monument is every bit as impressive today as it was nearly 100 years ago and Kaiser Wilhelm II and the King of Saxony were both there for its dedication, $30.00

 

(Click here for more images)

 

 

21-198 METAL CIGARILLO BOX - ZEPPELIN. It was quite common in Germany, during and after WW I, to sell cigarettes in metal boxes. Today we are offering a metal box measuring 4 1/2" x 3 1/2." It held ten cigarillos when new. It is multicolored, and shows a zeppelin emerging from a cloud bank. $325.00

(Click here for more images)

 

 

18-270 BOX OF MATCHES - VÖLKERSCHLACHTDENKMAL. The Völkerschlachtdenkmal is (and has been) one of the most important war memorials in Germany. It is located in Leipzig, which is one of the most important cities in Saxony, along with Dresden (the capital city). Leipzig was deep in East German territory until the early 1990's, when East and West Germany were reunified. I have seen this memorial in Leipzig, and I can tell you that it is truly beautiful. It has a reflecting pool leading up to it, similar to the reflecting pool for Washington’s Monument in the US capital. The Völkerschlachtdenkmal was dedicated in 1913 to commemorate Germany’s participation 100 years previously in the Napoleonic Wars. This is a box of matches, measuring 3" x 4" x 1 ½." It has a likeness of the monument on the boxtop. The monument, along with the trees, shrubs, and reflecting pool can be seen. When opening the box, we can see two sections of pink tipped matches. The two compartments seem full. On the sides where one strikes matches, I see that perhaps two or three matches have been struck. Mint. $45.00

 

(Click here for more images)

 

Metal Boxes

03-55 ARTILLERY BOX. This box is quite interesting. It could have served as a small jewelry or trinket box. It is shaped like an artillery shell and opens up to reveal a space to place small items. It appears that the box is made of zinc or possibly pewter. The lid of the box features a large Hohenzollern Eagle. At the very top it says "Unser Brummer," which is literally, "Our Boomer" and has the caliber of the gun (42CM, which was the largest of the German railway guns). The interior is lined in red and black felt with a rope framework. The box measures 5 1/2" x 2 3/4." It stands on four little legs. I have never seen anything quite like this. $250.00. . .

 

(Click here for more images)

 

03-36 OVAL PATRIOTIC BOX. This is a very well-made and unusual oval-shaped box. It appears to be made of zinc and measures 4 1/8" x 2 ½" x 1 1/8". It is double-hinged. As we open the lid, we find that the box is lined in either a coarse gray silk or possibly cotton. The top of the lid has a fancy design with a 1914 Iron Cross in the center. Four roses are at compass points outside the frame that surround the EK. The outer ring of the box features a series of small frames that have nothing displayed in them. However, they add an interesting decorative design. This is one of those fun little boxes for which the Germans were famous. Let your imagination lead you to whatever treasures you want to place inside it. Better yet, why not give it to a special someone? $195.00

 

(Click here for more images)

03-50 PATRIOTIC BOX FEATURING GENERALFELDMARSCHALL PAUL von HINDENBURG. This patriotic box is the type that probably graced a woman's dressing table, although it is possible a man might have used it for cuff links, stickpins, and so on. The octagonal metal box is embellished with roses, metal cabochons, and fancy scrollwork. Its crowning glory is a large, high-relief portrait of von Hindenburg in the center of the lid, with the label "Generalfeldmarschall von Hindenburg." The box measures 6" in length, 4" in width and 3" in height. It rests on four scroll-decorated feet. The remains of a gilt or silver wash can still be seen, although much of it has worn off over the years. The box itself would appear to be made of tin, or some other base metal. Although it has a lock, the key is missing. Inside, the top lid retains its linen cover. This would enable the owner to insert stickpins or other pieces of jewelry into for safekeeping. Some cotton batting remains inside the box, which may have been used to protect valuables, and keep them from bumping into one another. All in all, this is a very charming patriotic item. $195.00. .

(Click here for more images)

 

03-54 PATRIOTIC ARTILLERY SHELL CANISTER. This is a two-piece gilt-toned canister that is shaped like a large caliber artillery shell. It stands 4 ½" tall and unscrews in the center allowing an item(s) to be placed in it. A 1914 Iron Cross is featured on the exterior. $95.00 . .

(Click here for more images)

 

Wooden, Glass, & Misc. Boxes

03-10 WOODEN DISPLAY BOX WITH GLASS LID. This is a very fine wooden box that could have been used for any number of purposes. This box measures 10 1/4" x 6 1/4' x 2 3/4". It has four claw feet which you may attach if you so desire but they will come in the box. The top lid of the box is beveled glass which allows you to look down into the center of the box at a dark red velvet covering. This box would be excellent for displaying orders, decorations, flight badges, a U-boat badge, or possibly even a medal bar! For this last use it would house quite nicely an eight place or larger medal bar. There are two small Iron Crosses above and below the beveled glass that led me to my conclusions. However, the box could store and display anything of your choice. The box has a lock to secure the contents of the box but the key was missing when I acquired it. A very fine memento of the Great War. $395.00 MEDAL BAR FOR ILLUSTRATION ONLY--NOT INCLUDED WITH BOX!!!!!!

 

(Click here for more images)

 

 

(Click here for more images)

 

 

03-81 GARDE du CORPS JEWELRY BOX. This is a jewelry box in the shape of an officer’s visor cap from the Regiment des Garde du Corps (GdC). [They were the Prussian Army’s leading cavalry regiment. When the Kaiser was out in public, a group of them always accompanied him. One generally saw an NCO in full-parade-gear (including the Hohenzollern Eagle-topped helmet), standing near the Kaiser, brandishing the emperor’s personal standard]. This charming jewelry box is faithful in detail to its larger counterpart. It sports a black visor, the wide, lower red trim band, and the narrow band of red piping encircling its top. The rest of the "cap" is white. The case’s top exhibits some soiling from age (it IS nearly 100-years-old). One kokarde is present. The spot for the second is filled by the button that opens the box.  Inside, the box’s bottom surface appears to be leather. The upper half sports a white silk liner, which has embossed on it in gold, "Zur Erinnerung an den Weltkrieg 1914 Gesetzl. Gesch." The box’s top (the cap’s cover) measures 2 1/2" in diameter. The entire box measures 1" in height. This is a marvelous little item. Only your imagination will limit what you can do with it! $550.00  

 

(Click here for more images)

 

 

03-83 WOODEN BOX - 1914 IRON CROSS. This is a very high quality wooden box. It measures 7" x 9 1/4" x 4 3/4." It has a fine finish. In the upper left corner is a painted 1914 Iron Cross. A lock is on the front of the box but, unfortunately, the key is no longer present. As you will note from the dimensions, this is a generously sized box. You can put MANY items in it for storage. It would be first-rate on a desk for display. It would also have the advantage of storing many of your other treasures. $275.00

 

(Click here for more images)

 

 

09-244 1914 IRON CROSS 2^nd CLASS IN A BOX. This is a rather interesting Iron Cross presentation. It features a box that measures 4 ½" x 3 1/8" x 1 1/4". The box has an actual 1914 Iron Cross 2^nd Class affixed to the lid, with a very narrow ribbon attached to the jump ring. As we open the lid of the box, we find an Iron Cross with the dates 1914-1915 embossed on the upper lid. The bottom of the box has a fitted velvet base (This box was custom designed to hold an Iron Cross 2nd Class), which has a place for yet another 1914 Iron Cross 2^nd Class. In looking at the Iron Cross, we see that the jump ring is hallmarked "KO". This is the firm that supplied the bulk of the original-issue 1914 Iron Crosses 1^st Class. There is also a short length of original ribbon stored in the box. $325.00

(Click here for more images)

03-67 IRON CROSS STORAGE BOX. This storage box measures 6 ½" x 8 7/8" x 2 3/4." It is covered in a feldgrau-like material. At the top is an authentic 1914 Iron Cross 2^nd Class, with a smaller black and white ribbon attached. The box shows ordinary wear and age for an 80+ year-old piece. $130.00 .

(Click here for more images)

03-68 IRON CROSS FELDPOSTBRIEFE BOX. These boxes were very popular during WW I, both with soldiers at the front and their loved ones at home. A variety of styles were used, but all served the same purpose. That is, they stored letters and postcards sent by loved ones. This example measures 7 7/8" x 6 3/8" x 2 3/4." It is covered with tan, canvas-like material. At the top is an embossed, oversized 1914 Iron Cross. Below appears the word "Feldpostpostbriefe." A snap on the side of the box secures the top lid. It is a touching piece of WW I memorabilia. $130.00 .

(Click here for more images)

 

Links to Our Pages

Der Rittmeister Merchandise Pages:	(Click on Pictures or Words)
Badges: Wound, Veterans', Shooting Prizes, etc.	Bala's Bargain Bin: Sale and Discounted Items
Boxes (Patriotic) & Cigarette Cases	Bronzes, Busts & Figurines
Colonial Memorabilia	Desk Pieces and Accessories
Documents Nr 1: Awards/Decorations Included	Documents Nr 2: Patents, etc. (Paper Only)
Field Gear and Soldiers' Personal Effects	Flags, Banners and Accessories
Flight Qualification Badges (Imperial)	Imperial German Air Service Nr 1:Artifacts,  Personality Items, Groupings, Shoulder Boards
Imperial German Air Service Nr 2: Documents, Books, etc.	Imperial German Headdress Nr 1: Pickelhauben
Imperial German Headdress Nr 2: Busbies, Mützen,Tschapkas, Visor Caps, etc.	ImperiaI German Headdress Nr 3: Reference Materials, Guides, Cd's and DvD's
Imperial German Music on CD	Iron Crosses & Related Materials
Just In from Germany: Newest Items! ALL items start here!	Kyri's Kurio Korner: More Sale and Discounted Items
Medal Bars & Ribbon Bars	Miniatures & Boutonnieres
Navy, (Imperial German): Documents, Swords & Daggers, Badges, Cap Tallies, Books	Orders & Decorations Nr 1: Four Major German Kingdoms & Central Powers, Post War Items
Orders & Decorations Nr 2:Grand Duchies, Duchies,Free States, etc.	Otto & Jürgen's Non-Imperial German Emporium
Paper and Wood Artifacts:Books,Photos,Albums, Maps, and Artworks (framed paintings)	Patriotic Domesticware Nr 1: Fine Tableware, Steins, Glassware & Porcelain
Patriotic Domesticware Nr 2: Wooden, Metal, Cloth & Embroidered  Household Items	Patriotic Jewelry Nr 1: Rings, Bracelets, Pendants, etc.
Patriotic Jewelry Nr 2: Pins	Postcards Nr 38:Imperial German Royalty & Nobility, Central Powers Royalty & Nobility, and Allied Powers Royalty & Nobility.
Postcards Nr 40: Photo Albums, Original Photographs, and Cartes Des Viste.	Postcards Nr 42:Imperial German Air Service and All Aviation-Related.
Postcards Nr 43:Imperial German Armed Service and All Army-Related.	Postcards Nr 44:Kaiserliche Marine and All Navy-Related.
Ranglistes: Imperial German Army & Navy and other Imperial German References on CD	Royalty & Nobility (Imperial German):Personality Items,  Swords & Daggers, Portraits, Memorabilia
Shoulder Boards	Signed Photos, Documents & Autographs of the German Military, Nobility and Royalty
Stickpins	Swords & Edged Weapons
Table Medals	Uniforms & Related Accessories
Vivat Ribbons	Wooden Display Products (Helmet & Visor Stands)
Zeppelin & Balloon Memorabilia

Der Rittmeister Content Pages:

Click here for our Home Page	Click for the Order Information Page
Click here for Our Biography Page	Click here to Meet the late, great Jack Hunter