A KAISER WILHELM II THIRTY-TWO POINT RED STAG TROPHY MOUNT WITH ST. HUBERTUS CRUCIFIX, 1889, the thirty-two point rack with 53" spread, mounted on a half skull cap and centering a nickel silver pierced cypher of the Prussian crown suspending ribbons with "PATRIOTISCHER," and "KRIEGER-VEREIN" enclosing "FWR / IV," (Prussian King Frederick William IV) above a wavy ribbon centering "STETTIN," on a later silvered and parcel gilt hand carved scrolling cartouche centering acorn and oak leaf branches on a salmon pink textured ground, total antler and cartouche height: 55", width: 53", depth: 19"; surmounted by a nicely carved and white lacquered St. Hubertus Christo Morto crucifix, above the half skull suspending a silver metal mounted natural bull's horn hunting horn centering a brass heraldry stag's bust over a berried laurel wreath enclosing a metal panel engraved "E," (possibly for the Habsburg family's Eckartsau Castle, Austria) suspended from an enlisted style chain, length: 13 3/4"; together with an 18th/19th century silver metal mounted stag horn and steel hirschfänger, with an oval metal pommel on a horn handle beautifully detailed and depicting a hunter on rearing horse with raised arm, before another hunter kneeling and aiming towards deer being chased by hounds, above fleeing wild bear and fox being attacked by same hounds, in relief on a textured background and within "C" scrolled rocaille borders, over a bulbous neck with repoussé fox reversing to deer in a landscape flanked by a tapering quadrangular quillons crossguard, above a curling rockwork and foliage detailed open guard over a single edged steel blade, length: 21", with handle: 28"; enclosed by a silver plate mounted black leather scabbard with small pocket containing an associated horn handled Meridian steel blade skinning knife. Note: The Frederick William IV cipher wappen suspending ribbons that translate to; "Patriotic War Veteran's Association" above "STETTIN," a city located in the region of Stettin, a former Prussian Province of Pomerania, Germany, after 1945 ceded to Poland and renamed Szczecin. St. Hubertus, patron saint of hunters.
Condition
The antlers are in good condition with expected darkening, a few tips worn, and one with old small chipped tip. The skull is in good condition with a few small edge chips, expected seam splits, and normal surface buildup throughout. The hunting horn has normal wear and the metal mounts have the same with some oxidized/tarnished spots, small dings, slightly bent areas from use, and surface buildup. The 18th/19th century hunting sword has normal wear on horn handle, tarnish, dings, small scratches, minor wear on silver metal parts, and the blade has tiny oxidized spots scattered throughout, and general wear from use. The scabbard's leather has cracked and been restored several times over many years, and metal parts are worn to base metal along some edges, have expected scratches, dings, and wear. The crucifix is in good restored condition with some light splits along joined segments and darkening of varnish. Simpson Galleries strongly encourages in-person inspection of items by the bidder. Statements by Simpson Galleries regarding the condition of objects are for guidance only and should not be relied upon as statements of fact and do not constitute a representation, warranty, or assumption of liability by Simpson Galleries. All lots offered are sold "AS IS."