Ludwig II of Bavaria – a gold pocket watch (savonette) with heavy chain, presented to his chief royal equerry Max Karl Theodor Graf von Holnstein (1835 - 1895) The case made of 14-carat red gold. Fully functional bridge movement with manual winding. The rear cover featuring a screw-mounted portrait of the King‘s favourite stallion “Luitprand”, the hallmark “14K” on the inside. The dust cover engraved with the dedication (tr.) “Presented by His Majesty King Ludwig II”. The front cover with a convex glass insert, the edge and the back cover with oak leaf ornaments in relief. White enamel dial with Roman numerals and the small second hand on the “VI”, gold lancet hands. Diameter 50 mm, weight 93.8 g. The heavy watch chain in yellow gold, made of triple fluted, intertwined links with large and small snap hooks. Attached medallion with the portrait of a mounted horseman in a rocaille border. Length 34 cm, weight 153 g. Mounted on an opulent brass frame, the gilding preserved in places, surmounted by an extended oval medallion with children playing, signed “J.P. Legastelois”. In a passepartout of salmon-coloured silk with a florally embroidered portrait of Graf von Holnstein in the stables, dressed for the hunt, with his gun and pipe. The rear and stand also in brass. Size of the frame 24 x 16.5 cm. A highly prestigious gift from the King to his chief royal equerry, advisor and childhood friend. Having served as Reichsrat and lord of an entailed estate since 1857, Holnstein was imprisoned for an illegal pistol duel in 1863, before being pardoned by King Ludwig in 1865 and appointed chief royal equerry in 1866. As a childhood friend of the brothers Ludwig and Otto, he became one of the King‘s most important advisors. He also led negotiations with Otto Fürst von Bismarck on behalf of the King in the run-up to the imperial proclamation of 1871. He also delivered the famous “Kaiserbrief” in Versailles and subsequently processed the payments that were kept top secret from the Bavarian government, for which Ludwig agreed to the imperial coronation of Wilhelm I of Prussia. Graf von Holnstein, who controlled the King due to the payments and used this fact to his advantage, was instrumental in Ludwig‘s legal incapacitation and was also appointed his guardian until his death. 339189 I - II € 25.500 268 |
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