Imperial Dessert Wine Glass Wilhelm II with Gilded RW Monogram

This elegant dessert wine glass from the German Empire dates from around 1900 and bears the gilded monogram "RW" (Rex Wilhelm) beneath a royal crown. With its fine gilding and balanced shape, it is one of the rare surviving examples of the courtly table culture of the Wilhelmine era and provides an authentic glimpse into the ceremonial atmosphere of the imperial court.

The clear glass is finished with a fine gold rim and high-quality gilded decoration. Particularly noteworthy is the meticulously crafted, gilded monogram, which suggests that the glass was used within an imperial court service or a similar aristocratic setting.

Dessert Wine Culture at the Imperial Court

The delicate, slightly upward-flaring shape is characteristic of a classic dessert wine glass, which was used at festive dinners and court banquets for port, Madeira, sherry, Tokay, and other fine dessert and liqueur wines. Such drinks traditionally concluded a multi-course menu and were often served with dessert or cheese, or after the main courses.

The shape of the glass concentrates the aromas and corresponds to the preferred drinking vessels of refined European table culture around the turn of the century. Compared to water, Rhine wine, or Bordeaux glasses, dessert wine glasses are distinguished by their more compact proportions.

Rare Imperial Court Glass

Glasses bearing the gilded RW monogram of Emperor Wilhelm II are highly sought-after examples of imperial court glass today. They document the ceremonial table culture of the House of Hohenzollern and reflect the great importance accorded to etiquette, hospitality, and social representation in the German Empire.

The combination of fine gilding, elegant glasswork, and imperial symbolism makes this piece an exceptional collector's item for enthusiasts of Emperor Wilhelm II, court glass, imperial glass, Prussian memorabilia, historical table culture, and objects from the German imperial house.

Dimensions and Condition

Height: 13 cm
Rim diameter: 7 cm

The condition is very good, with only minor age-related wear to the gilding.