Locket: Prince Henry of Prussia

1902

Maker

W. & S. Blackinton Company (1865-1930s)

Measurements

2-1/8 in x 1-3/4 in (dia) x 1/4 in

Materials

Silver

Credit Line

Historic Odessa Foundation, The David Wilson Mansion, Inc.

Accession Number

1971.1191

Inscription

“Prince Henry of Prussia / Washington D.C. / 1902" is engraved on the front; “MCW” is on the back. 

"W&SB" with a star is stamped into an inside border; "STERLING" is stamped into the same border at the hinge.

Provenance

Ex coll. Mrs. E. Tatnall (Mary Corbit) Warner

Comments

The round and very shallow locket has a hinged cover.  It now opens to an unknown material, possibly dried flower petals and/or leaves, under thin transparent plastic.  The locket commemorates the 1902 visit of Prince Henry of Prussia on the front and bears the engraved initials of Mary Corbet Warner on the back.

Prince Henry of Prussia (1862-1929, brother of Kaiser Wilhelm II) made a state visit to the United States from February 22 to March 11, 1902.  His itinerary included two separate stops in Washington, DC, for events at the White House and the Capitol on one day and a memorial service for President McKinley on the other.

No other lockets commemorating this visit are known, suggesting that Mary Warner had this one custom made.  Other souvenirs, such as coins, postcards, and badges, are known.