WILHELM II: (1859-1941) German Emperor & King of Prussia 1888-1918.

A good, large vintage signed Imperial cabinet photograph of the Kaiser in a head and shoulders pose wearing his full military dress adorned by various medals and orders and a damask sash. Photograph by Reichard and Lindner of Berlin. Signed ('William I.R.') with the English form of his signature, as Imperator er Rex (Kaiser and King) to a clear area at the head of the image and dated 1889 in his hand. Bearing the photographer's stamp and date, 1888, to the base of the image and lower photographer's mount and with photographer's imprint to the verso. An impressive signed photograph. Some very light, minor overall foxing, otherwise VGThe present image was captured by the Berlin photographers Reichard and Lindner in the first year of the Emperor's reign.Wilhelm II served as the last German Emperor from 1888, ending with his abdication in 1918. In 1890 he dismissed the Chancellor Otto von Bismarck and launched Germany on an aggressive 'new course' of foreign affairs that culminated in his support for Austria-Hungary in the crisis of July 1914 that, within a matter of days, led to World War I.