Items Similar to SMS Kurfürst Friedrich Wilhelm: German Pre-Dreadnought Battleship – 1903
Want more images or videos?
Request additional images or videos from the seller
1 of 7
SMS Kurfürst Friedrich Wilhelm: German Pre-Dreadnought Battleship – 1903
About the Item
Title: SMS Kurfürst Friedrich Wilhelm: German Pre-Dreadnought Battleship – 1903 Chromolithograph
This 1903 chromolithograph by Hugo Graf from *Deutschland zur See* features the SMS Kurfürst Friedrich Wilhelm, a notable pre-dreadnought battleship of the German Imperial Navy. Launched in 1891, this powerful vessel served as a key component of Germany’s fleet during a period of rapid naval modernization. Measuring approximately 20 x 33 cm on its original 39 x 51 cm mount, the print captures the ship's imposing presence. SMS Kurfürst Friedrich Wilhelm was eventually sold to the Ottoman Empire in 1910, where it continued its service as Heireddin Barbarossa. The print's mounting shows light wear and spotting, adding historical charm. A valuable piece for collectors of German naval history and pre-WWI maritime art.
---
Here are some interesting facts and highlights about SMS Kurfürst Friedrich Wilhelm:
1. Pre-Dreadnought Battleship: SMS Kurfürst Friedrich Wilhelm was part of Germany's Brandenburg class of pre-dreadnought battleships. These ships were an early demonstration of Germany's ambition to build a modern, competitive navy and were among the most advanced warships of their time in the German fleet.
2. Heavy Armament: The ship was equipped with six 28 cm (11 in) guns, making it one of the most heavily armed battleships in the world when it was launched. This firepower reflected the naval arms race of the era and Germany’s growing military capabilities.
3. Service as a Flagship: SMS Kurfürst Friedrich Wilhelm served as the flagship of the German fleet until more modern battleships were introduced. Its role as a flagship underscored its importance in projecting German naval power and its contribution to naval training and fleet exercises.
4. Transfer to the Ottoman Navy: In 1910, as Germany built larger dreadnoughts, SMS Kurfürst Friedrich Wilhelm was sold to the Ottoman Empire. Renamed Heireddin Barbarossa after the famous Ottoman admiral, it continued to serve under the Ottoman flag, reflecting the strategic alliance between Germany and the Ottoman Empire.
5. World War I Service and Fate: Under the Ottoman flag, Heireddin Barbarossa participated in the Ottoman navy’s actions during World War I. It served mainly in the Black Sea, engaging Russian forces. In 1915, the ship was sunk by a Russian submarine, ending its service in dramatic fashion.
6. Symbol of Early German Naval Ambitions: The SMS Kurfürst Friedrich Wilhelm and its class symbolized Germany’s initial drive to build a modern fleet capable of rivaling other European powers. Though later overshadowed by more advanced dreadnoughts, these ships were significant steps in the development of the German Imperial Navy.
The SMS Kurfürst Friedrich Wilhelm is remembered as a symbol of Germany’s early naval strength and its alliance with the Ottoman Empire. Its transfer to the Ottoman fleet and eventual loss in World War I mark it as a ship with a fascinating international legacy, bridging two major empires in a time of shifting alliances.
- 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-13936-81stDibs: LU3054342319362
About the Seller
5.0
Recognized Seller
These prestigious sellers are industry leaders and represent the highest echelon for item quality and design.
Gold Seller
Premium sellers maintaining a 4.3+ rating and 24-hour response times
Established in 2009
1stDibs seller since 2017
2,452 sales on 1stDibs
Typical response time: <1 hour
- ShippingRetrieving quote...Shipping from: Langweer, Netherlands
- Return Policy
Authenticity Guarantee
In the unlikely event there’s an issue with an item’s authenticity, contact us within 1 year for a full refund. DetailsMoney-Back Guarantee
If your item is not as described, is damaged in transit, or does not arrive, contact us within 7 days for a full refund. Details24-Hour Cancellation
You have a 24-hour grace period in which to reconsider your purchase, with no questions asked.Vetted Professional Sellers
Our world-class sellers must adhere to strict standards for service and quality, maintaining the integrity of our listings.Price-Match Guarantee
If you find that a seller listed the same item for a lower price elsewhere, we’ll match it.Trusted Global Delivery
Our best-in-class carrier network provides specialized shipping options worldwide, including custom delivery.More From This Seller
View AllSMS Wörth: German Pre-Dreadnought Battleship in Stormy Seas – 1903 Chromolitho
Located in Langweer, NL
Title: SMS Wörth: German Pre-Dreadnought Battleship in Stormy Seas – 1903 Chromolithograph
This 1903 chromolithograph by Hugo Graf from 'Deutschland zur See' features the SMS Wörth,...
Category
Antique Early 1900s Prints
Materials
Paper
$428 Sale Price
20% Off
SMS Kaiser Wilhelm II: German Flagship Battleship in Chromolithograph by H. Graf
Located in Langweer, NL
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...
Category
Antique Early 1900s Prints
Materials
Paper
$428 Sale Price
20% Off
SMS Hela: German Light Cruiser in Pre-WWI Era – 1903 Chromolithograph
Located in Langweer, NL
Title: SMS Hela: German Light Cruiser in Pre-WWI Era – 1903 Chromolithograph
This 1903 chromolithograph by Hugo Graf from 'Deutschland zur See' showcases the SMS Hela, a light cruis...
Category
Antique Early 1900s Prints
Materials
Paper
$428 Sale Price
20% Off
SMS Fürst Bismarck: German Armored Cruiser in Pre-WWI Era – 1903 Chromolitho
Located in Langweer, NL
Title: SMS Fürst Bismarck: German Armored Cruiser in Pre-WWI Era – 1903 Chromolithograph
This 1903 chromolithograph by Hugo Graf from 'Deutschland zur See' depicts the SMS Fürst Bismarck, the first armored cruiser built for the German Imperial Navy, launched in 1897. Measuring approximately 20 x 33 cm on its original 39 x 51 cm mount, this print showcases the ship’s imposing profile and reflects Germany’s early efforts to project naval power globally. SMS Fürst Bismarck was designed for long-range operations and served primarily in the East Asia Squadron, reinforcing Germany’s colonial...
Category
Antique Early 1900s Prints
Materials
Paper
$428 Sale Price
20% Off
SMS Hansa: Germany’s Pioneering Protected Cruiser – 1903 Chromolithograph
Located in Langweer, NL
Title: SMS Hansa: Germany’s Pioneering Protected Cruiser – 1903 Chromolithograph by Hugo Graf
This chromolithograph, created by Hugo Graf in 1903 as part of 'Deutschland zur See', depicts the SMS Hansa, one of Germany's early protected cruisers launched in 1898.
Measuring approximately 20 x 33 cm on its original 39 x 51 cm mounting, this artwork captures the sleek design and power of the ship against an expansive seascape.
SMS Hansa served primarily in the East Asia Squadron, reflecting Germany's expanding global presence and interests before World War I. Although it did not see major battles, it symbolized Germany’s ambitions and early naval innovation. The mount has slight wear and occasional spotting, adding to its vintage charm. A perfect addition for collectors of maritime history and pre-WWI German...
Category
Antique Early 1900s Prints
Materials
Paper
$428 Sale Price
20% Off
SMS Ägir: German Coastal Defense Ship – 1903 Chromolithograph
Located in Langweer, NL
Title: SMS Ägir: German Coastal Defense Ship from the Late 19th Century – 1903 Chromolithograph
This 1903 chromolithograph by Hugo Graf, part of 'Deutschland zur See', features the ...
Category
Antique Early 1900s Prints
Materials
Paper
$428 Sale Price
20% Off
You May Also Like
Early Century Rare Karl Wilhelm Diefenbach German Silihoute Lithograph Artwork
Located in Van Nuys, CA
This rare Karl Wilhelm Diefenbach silhouette lithograph captures the lively essence of dancing festivities, rendered with intricate precision and a dramatic interplay of light and sh...
Category
Early 20th Century Prints
Materials
Glass, Wood, Paper
$296 Sale Price
25% Off
Wilhelm Sasnal Untitled Print, 2011
Located in New York, NY
Wilhelm Sasnal is one of the most celebrated artists to emerge from Eastern Europe in the twenty-first century. His practice embraces drawing, film, com...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Prints
Materials
Paper
$900 / item
1971 Friedrich Meckseper, Gallery Jalmar, Amsterdam Exhibition Print
By Friedrich Meckseper
Located in San Carlos, CA
Beautiful and sober print after a still life of German artist Friedrich Meckseper. This print announced an exhibition of the artist at the "Galerie Jalmar" in Amsterdam, Netherlands....
Category
Vintage 1970s Dutch Modern Prints
Materials
Other
$239 Sale Price
20% Off
Wilhelm Pupy Etching of Stockholm, 1926
Located in New York, NY
Wilhelm Pupy Etching of Stockholm, dated 1926. Beautiful etching in good vintage condition, simple original frame.
Category
Vintage 1920s Swedish Prints
Materials
Paper
1736-45 Framed Botanical Engraving, Johann Wilhelm Weinmann
By Johann Wilhelm Weinmann
Located in Louisville, KY
Framed Botanical Engraving, Johann Wilhelm Weinmann. Johann Wilhelm Weinmann (German 1683-1741) Published in Amsterdam & Ratisbon, 1736-45....
Category
Antique Mid-18th Century German Other Prints
Materials
Velvet, Giltwood, Paper
Johann Wilhelm Weinmann Framed Pair Of Botanical Prints
Located in Essex, MA
With strikingly bright images set in a giltwood frame with inset glass. Triple matted with marbled board. Very minor foxing and very minor chipping on outer edge of frame that will ...
Category
Antique Mid-18th Century German Prints
Materials
Mirror, Wood, Giltwood, Paper
