Souvenir – German Reichstag Building

This is a souvenir inkwell from Germany, specifically commemorating the Reichstagsgebäude (Reichstag Building) in Berlin. It’s made of brass with a gilt finish.

Description:

The inkwell has a somewhat triangular shape with a raised section at the rear that houses the inkwell. The overall design is typical of souvenir metalware from the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

• The Building Depiction: The most prominent feature is a centrally placed oval medallion on the sloping front of the inkwell. Within this medallion is a detailed depiction of the Reichstagsgebäude. The architectural features of the building, such as its dome, columns, and façade, are clearly rendered in relief. Above the building within the medallion is the inscription “BERLIN REICHSTAGSGEBÄUDE” in capital letters, identifying the subject. The medallion is surrounded by a decorative wreath border.
• The Inkwell: Located at the rear of the inkwell is a raised, rectangular or slightly tapered section with a hinged lid housing the inkwell (brass insert).
• Decorative Elements: The rest of the inkwell’s surface features additional decorative elements. Along the front pen channel, there is a row of raised beads or studs. The sides of the inkwell have stylized curves.

Estimated Date (Pre-WWI):

The Reichstagsgebäude was completed in 1894 and was a major tourist attraction in Berlin during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Souvenir items depicting it would have been popular during this period, coinciding with peak tourism before the political tensions leading up to WWII significantly impacted travel.

History of the Reichstagsgebäude:

The Reichstagsgebäude, or Reichstag Building, has a rich and significant history:

• Construction and Purpose: It was built to house the Reichstag, the parliament of the newly unified German Empire. Construction began in 1884 and was completed in 1894. The architect was Paul Wallot. The building was designed in a Neo-Renaissance style.
• Symbol of German Power: The Reichstag Building quickly became a powerful symbol of German political power and national identity. Its prominent dome was a distinctive feature of the Berlin skyline.
• Weimar Republic: After World War I and the establishment of the Weimar Republic, the Reichstag continued to house the German parliament.
• The Reichstag Fire (1933): A pivotal and highly controversial event in German history occurred on February 27, 1933, when the Reichstag Building was severely damaged by fire. The Nazis, who were gaining power at the time, used this event as a pretext to suppress political opposition and consolidate their control. The circumstances surrounding the fire remain a subject of debate among historians.
• World War II: The Reichstag Building was further damaged during the Allied bombings of Berlin in World War II.
• Division and Reunification: During the Cold War and the division of Berlin, the Reichstag was in West Berlin but was unused. After the reunification of Germany in 1990, it was decided that Berlin would once again be the capital, and the Reichstag would be restored to house the German parliament.
• Modern Reichstag: The Reichstag underwent significant renovation in the 1990s, including the construction of a new glass dome designed by Sir Norman Foster. It reopened in 1999 as the seat of the modern German Bundestag (Federal Parliament).