Rare Collection of Prince Adalbert of Prussia – Cabinet Cards, Postcard & Personal Documents

Historical Provenance

This extraordinary collection includes four cabinet cards of Prince Adalbert of Prussia, two of which are personally signed. The photographers' names are featured on each of the reverse sides, further strengthening the provenance. The collection is complemented by a press photo from the French region, in which Adalbert wears a mess jacket very similar to the one offered here.

Photographs from the Imperial Era & Second World War

Two further photographs show him as a soldier in the Second World War, while another image likely dates from the late Imperial era. A mailed postcard shows Prince Adalbert together with his wife, Princess Adelheid of Saxe-Meiningen.

Personal Documents & Wax Seal

The ensemble is rounded off by a personally written letter with envelope as well as an additional envelope with his red wax seal – a particularly expressive detail of Prussian family correspondence.

Rarity & Collectibility

Photographs and personal documents of Prince Adalbert are extremely rare, as he led a withdrawn life throughout his years. This collection therefore offers a rare opportunity to acquire a cohesive and historically valuable set from his personal circle. The frames are not included in the scope of delivery.

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Four cabinet photographs of Prince Adalbert of Prussia. Two of them are hand‑signed, and the photographers’ names are noted on the reverse. A press photograph, likely from the American or English press. In this photo he is wearing a mess jacket similar to the one offered for sale here. Two photographs show him as a soldier in the Second World War; one image is likely of earlier date and still from the Imperial period. A mailed postcard shows him together with his wife, Princess Adelheid of Saxe‑Meiningen. A personally written letter with its envelope and an additional envelope with his red wax seal complete the set. Photographs and documents of Prince Adalbert are very rare, as he always lived a very private and withdrawn life. The frames are not included in the delivery.

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This elegant mess jacket with matching waistcoat from the estate of Prince Adalbert of Prussia (1884–1948) dates from the year 1908 and embodies the high quality of courtly and maritime formal attire of the early 20th century. Made of the finest quality dark blue cloth, the jacket features black silk trim on the lapels as well as a front double-breasted with gilded, crowned anchor buttons of the “Imperial Yacht Club (KYC)”. Two side pockets and a smooth black silk lining emphasize the exquisite workmanship. Inside the collar is a hand-embroidered, crowned owner's label with the monogram “A”, confirming the direct attribution to Prince Adalbert. The accompanying waistcoat is made of the same high-quality material and displays the same masterful craftsmanship. Small tears and repairs in the white sleeve lining as well as slight traces of wear and age attest to its authentic use.

Prince Adalbert, third son of Emperor Wilhelm II, received his military education on the Prinzeninsel and in the Prince's House of Plön Castle. On May 31, 1894, he joined the Imperial Navy and later attended the Naval Academy in Kiel, where he was trained as a naval officer. The present mess jacket corresponds to the typical cut around 1908: a short dinner jacket ending at waist height, which was worn at festive evening events in both naval circles and among the nobility. Characteristic features are the short cut, the non-closing double-breasted front or the single-breasted variant, as well as shawl collars or peaked lapels, which define the formal style of this era.