German 800 Silver Coblenz Deutsches Eck Souvenir Brooch
Jewelry (Brooch/Pin) · Unknown German Silversmith; likely a regional manufacturer specializing in 'Andenken-Silber' (souvenir silver) for the Rhineland tourism market.
Pattern: Coblenz - Deutsches Eck (German Corner) panorama. This is a topographical souvenir design typical of early 20th-century German travel jewelry.
Type
Jewelry (Brooch/Pin)
Maker
Unknown German Silversmith; likely a regional manufacturer specializing in 'Andenken-Silber' (souvenir silver) for the Rhineland tourism market.
Material
800 Silver (80% purity silver, 20% copper alloy). This was the standard silver purity for German domestic items from 1888 onward.
Dimensions
Estimated length: 4.5 cm - 5.5 cm; Estimated width: 1.0 cm - 1.2 cm; Weight: approximately 3-6 grams. It is a standard horizontal bar-style brooch size.
Description
A charming example of German souvenir jewelry, this silver brooch depicts the 'Deutsches Eck' in Coblenz. The centerpiece is the equestrian statue of Emperor William I standing at the confluence of the Rhine and Moselle rivers. The relief work is framed by elegant, flowing Jugendstil scrolls that taper to rounded ends. It represents a piece of 'Grand Tour' style travel history from the turn of the century.
Key Features
Topographical accuracy of the monument; 'Coblenz - Deutsches Eck' raised lettering; 800 silver fineness; Art Nouveau style border work.
Material & Composition
800 Silver (80% purity silver, 20% copper alloy). This was the standard silver purity for German domestic items from 1888 onward.
Finish & Decoration
Oxidized relief with die-struck decoration. The surface features a low-relief (bas-relief) depiction of the Kaiser Wilhelm I monument, the Rhine/Moselle confluence, and the city skyline. Style is late Jugendstil (Art Nouveau) influence with scrolled border accents.
Hallmarks & Stamps
Likely stamped '800' on the reverse. May include the 'Reichsmark' (Crescent moon and Crown) required for German silver after 1888, though often omitted on small jewelry items.
Construction Details
Die-struck from a prepared steel hub/mold. The front relief is hollow or 'shell' construction, typical for mass-produced light jewelry. The pin and C-clasp are soldered to the reverse.
Functional Features
Single horizontal nickel-silver or steel pinning rod for attachment to clothing; simple C-clasp or early safety roller catch.
Handle & Grip Details
Non-applicable form; the pin assembly serves as the functional interface, usually made of base metal for tension strength.
Craftsmanship Details
High-quality industrial die-striking. The level of detail on the bridge and the statue for such a small scale indicates a professionally cut steel die by a skilled engraver.
Authentication Indicators
The '800' silver mark is the primary indicator of German origin. The 'Coblenz' spelling confirms the age prior to modern German orthography changes. Wear patterns are consistent with a garment-worn item.
Origin & Manufacturing
Germany, likely manufactured in Pforzheim or Hanau, the historical hubs for German silver jewelry production and export.
Era & Period
Early 20th Century, specifically the Imperial German era (1890-1918) to the early Interwar period. The monument depicted was inaugurated in 1897.
Age Estimate
Circa 1900-1930. The spelling 'Coblenz' (pre-1926 spelling change to Koblenz) and the monument style suggest a date before the mid-1920s.
Cultural Significance
Represents the rise of middle-class tourism in the Rhine Valley during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Such items were 'status' souvenirs signaling the wearer's worldliness and travel experience.
Condition Notes
Very Good. The relief remains crisp with little wear to the high points. Patina is present in the recessed areas (natural oxidation), which enhances the 3D effect. Pin mechanism appears intact in the silhouette.
Value Estimate
$35.00 - $75.00 USD. Value is driven by historical interest and town-specific collectors rather than silver weight.
Care & Maintenance
Avoid chemical silver dips which remove the beneficial oxidation in the shadows; use a soft silver cloth like Cape Cod on the high spots only. Store in a dry, low-humidity environment.
Similar Pieces
Enameled souvenir spoons of the same period; 835 silver brooches from the mid-20th century; Dutch topographical silver pins (usually featuring windmills or canals).
Interesting Facts
The monument depicted was destroyed by American artillery in 1945 and was not fully restored to its original state with the statue until 1993, making this 'original' depiction a historical record.