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SMS Kaiser Wilhelm II: German Flagship Battleship in Chromolithograph by H. Graf
About the Item
Title: SMS Kaiser Wilhelm II: German Flagship Battleship in Chromolithograph by Hugo Graf (1903)
This 1903 chromolithograph by Hugo Graf, from 'Deutschland zur See', features the SMS Kaiser Wilhelm II, a prominent pre-dreadnought battleship and former flagship of the German Imperial Navy.
Measuring approximately 20 x 33 cm on its original 39 x 51 cm mount, the artwork captures the ship cutting through turbulent seas, embodying the power of Germany’s navy at the time. Launched in 1897, SMS Kaiser Wilhelm II served as the navy's flagship until 1906 and played a key role in projecting German naval might. While it did not see major combat, the ship represented Germany’s rising ambition on the global stage. The print's mount shows light wear and spotting, adding historical charm. Perfect for enthusiasts of maritime history and pre-WWI German naval power.
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The SMS Kaiser Wilhelm II was a pre-dreadnought battleship of the Kaiser Friedrich III class in the German Imperial Navy. Named after the German Emperor Wilhelm II, it was one of Germany’s most notable early battleships, reflecting the country’s ambition to build a powerful navy. Here are some key facts and historical highlights about SMS Kaiser Wilhelm II:
1. Flagship of the German Navy: SMS Kaiser Wilhelm II was commissioned in 1902 and soon became the flagship of the German Imperial Navy. As the flagship, it was often at the forefront of naval parades, diplomatic missions, and training exercises, symbolizing the strength and modernization of the German fleet.
2. Designed for Shorter Ranges: Like other ships of its class, SMS Kaiser Wilhelm II was built with a focus on coastal and North Sea operations rather than long-range engagements. Its design included heavy armor and powerful main guns but sacrificed some range and speed, aligning with Germany’s initial focus on local waters before shifting to high-seas power.
3. Limited Battle Experience: The ship was in service during a relatively peaceful period and did not see significant combat. By the time of World War I, naval warfare was increasingly dominated by larger and more advanced dreadnoughts, which made older pre-dreadnought battleships like SMS Kaiser Wilhelm II less relevant in major engagements.
4. Role as a Training Ship: As more modern ships joined the fleet, SMS Kaiser Wilhelm II was eventually reassigned to a training role. It became part of the fleet used for training cadets and preparing naval personnel, continuing to serve the German navy in a supportive capacity.
5. Decommissioned After World War I: After the end of World War I, the Treaty of Versailles severely restricted the size and capability of the German navy. Like many other older vessels, SMS Kaiser Wilhelm II was decommissioned in 1919 and subsequently scrapped in the early 1920s as part of Germany’s post-war naval reduction.
6. Symbol of German Naval Ambition: Although it did not see significant action, SMS Kaiser Wilhelm II represented the growing ambitions of the German Empire to compete with established naval powers like Great Britain. Its role as a flagship underscored the importance of the fleet to German national pride and military power in the early 20th century.
The SMS Kaiser Wilhelm II, with its powerful guns, armor, and prestige as a flagship, is remembered as an important symbol of early German naval ambitions. Its story reflects a period of naval experimentation and rapid development, paving the way for the more modern ships that would later dominate the German navy.
- Dimensions:Height: 15.36 in (39 cm)Width: 20.08 in (51 cm)Depth: 0 in (0.02 mm)
- Materials and Techniques:
- Period:1900-1909
- Date of Manufacture:1903
- Condition:Good condition. The mount has slight wear and occasional spotting, adding to its vintage charm, common in prints of this age. Please study the images carefully.
- Seller Location:Langweer, NL
- Reference Number:Seller: BG-13936-61stDibs: LU3054342319332
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