Military & Political · 20th century
€ 460
One of a kind: this is the sheet in the photographs. Ships from Langweer, the Netherlands.
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.
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.
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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.
