Imperial Rhine Wine Glass Wilhelm II with Gilded RW Monogram

Courtly White Wine and Rhine Wine Glass from the German Empire, circa 1900

This elegant Rhine wine glass bears the gilded monogram “RW” (Rex Wilhelm) beneath a royal crown and is one of the rare surviving examples of courtly drinking culture from the German Empire. The clear glass is adorned with a fine gold rim and high-quality gold filigree and dates from around 1900.

The shape corresponds to a classic white wine or Rhine wine glass, such as those used for Riesling, Mosel wine, Johannisberger, and other premium German white wines. The slightly flared, tulip-shaped bowl aids the development of aromas and reflects the preferred glass shapes of the refined table culture of the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

Particularly noteworthy is the expertly crafted gilded monogram of Emperor Wilhelm II beneath the imperial crown, which indicates its use within a representative court service or a comparable high-status setting. The combination of finely proportioned shape, clear glass, and elaborate gilding gives the piece an exceptionally elegant appearance.

Dimensions

• Height: 16 cm
• Rim diameter: 8 cm

Condition

• Very well preserved, with minimal wear to the gilding

The shape is particularly characteristic of a Rhine wine glass, such as those used for the Rhine and Mosel wines highly prized by the court. Emperor Wilhelm II frequently preferred German wines at official occasions and state banquets, especially premium Gewächs wines from the Rhine and Mosel regions, making the classification of the shape as a courtly Rhine wine service highly probable.

An exceptional collector's item for enthusiasts of Emperor Wilhelm II, imperial glassware, court glassware, the German Empire, Prussia, Rhine wine glasses, historic tableware, and Wilhelmina memorabilia.