Siegessaule translates as Victory Column in German and it is dedicated to a whole list of Prussian/German wars. This one was made about 1885 to commemorate the installation of Berlins’ newest attraction. You can tell this is an older one because the column only has three segments. Hitler had the monument relocated in 1939 and ordered Speers to add an additional segment to increase the overall height at that time. The age can be ascertain to pre or post WWII.
This piece still stands today and is one that collectors look for. It is scarce but not super rare, and there are many sizes that were made of different materials such as white metal, bronze, and tin. This was offered to me and I felt it was worth the investment, and with some light rehabilitation it would present well enough to deserve a good location in my collection.
Like most of these objects it had 100 years of dirt that had been glazed over with tobacco smoke and wax. The paint was worn and chipped and the wooden base was warped a little. It was also missing its mercury thermometer like so many items are. However, it was free from dings, dents, and breaks and it still had its Victory Angel complete with wreath and scepter. I proceeded to take it apart and remove what was left of the original paint. Once it was apart I discovered it was not a candidate for plating as I had hoped due to so many of the metal parts having a high lead content that would not conduct electricity as is needed in plating. Painting would be fine since it was painted originally. I was fortunate to have a red marble base the same age and approximate size as the original wooden one. It really turned out to be a tremendous upgrade with enough wear to look completely proper for the piece. The final touch was when I found a replacement mercury thermometer that came out of an old NY school building.
I enjoy it a lot for now but I could see myself sending it to auction given the right event. There are purists that will reject it for not looking beat up enough but there are just as many buyers who will pay extra for the condition. I believe that most objects where intended to be maintained over time and do not suffer from “catch up” cleaning and judiciously chosen and professionally executed restorations. There are limits of course but museums and estate curators have long been in the business of removing neglect while maintaining objects graceful aging.
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