This is a wonderfully framed Vivat Ribbon featuring Kaiser Wilhelm II leading the German people during WW I. Vivat Ribbons were an important Imperial German patriotic art form during the early and mid WW I years. Germans were extremely patriotic people both before and during WW I. They found many ways of expressing that patriotism, from jewelry to tableware. One unique form of expressing/displaying their patriotism was through the acquisition of Vivat Ribbons. Vivat Ribbons were made of silk. They rather resemble bookmarks, and it is possible that some were used for that purpose. Vivat Ribbons celebrated Germany’s battle triumphs, its military commanders, and its royalty, as well as its Navy, Army, and other special themes. They were sold to the public for the benefit of the German Red Cross. They were avidly collected. A special album was offered to house them in an orderly manner and also preserve them from harm.
Today we are offering what was the very first Vivat Ribbon. It has a number of special aspects. First, it was larger than the Vivat Ribbons that followed it, measuring 15 1/4″ x 4.” Its central theme is Kaiser Wilhelm II. He is shown in three-quarters profile. At first glance, he appears to be in the center of a battlefield. In fact, he is surrounded by Germans, both past and present. We see women, men, and children, soldiers, politicians, and ancestors going back to the 18th Century. In the upper left are the words (roughly translated) “You wanted the peace but were forced to war and now you must (or will) have the glorious victory.” To the upper right we see, “To what many have aspired you have succeeded to defeat the discord.” At the bottom we see a date of early August 1914, the first week of the war. The massive Vivat Ribbon is cream-colored. All that I have described is printed on it in black. It is beautifully preserved. It is framed in a modern day gilt frame that highlights its contents most handsomely. The frame measures 19″ x 8.” It is an exciting and tasteful presentation that is ready to be hung on YOUR wall.