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| THE BISMARCK COLLECTION- But a short distance
within the iron fence that served as the facade of the German Section
on Columbia Avenue in the Manufactures Building, stood the great
Porcelain Porch, and about it, on three sides
were cases, such as the
one seen in the distance behind the Columbian
Guard. The Bismarck
Collection was the attractive title which drew people of all nations
to these quarters, but there were few cases which held Bismarckian
trophies exclusively. In this case, however, as well as in the one
that stood directly in front of the Porcelain Porch, the articles
were principally those which had been presented to the Chancellor of
Blood and Iron when he ruled the destinies of Fatherland under the
old Kaiser. These were usually pieces in silver offered as souvenirs
to the Prince by admiring cities through their municipal officers,
and frequently bore inscriptions expressive of the veneration in
which the recipient was held. There were also many gifts of a
similar character which had been bestowed on the old Kaiser, on Von
Moltke, and on Kaiser Wilhelm II., the present monarch. Some of the
most beautiful pieces were wrought on leather as a base, and
embellished with the crown and shield of Germany in jewels and
enamels, showing the highest perfection of the goldsmith's art. Most
of the silver pieces were entirely decorative and ornamental. The
view representing the Bismarck collection has now an added interest
owing to the recent reconcilliation of the aged Chancellor and the
young Emperor. |
