German South West Africa – Commemorative Military Cup, 2nd Company, Ukamas, 1910

An intriguing piece of German colonial history from Namibia.

This attractive commemorative cup bears the inscription:

“Zur Erinnerung an 2. Kompagnie, Ukamas, Südwestafrika, 1910”

(“In memory of the 2nd Company, Ukamas, South West Africa, 1910”).

Standing approximately 16 cm tall, the cup features a distinctive tapered form and finely detailed circular relief medallions depicting three buildings associated with the military station at Ukamas: the barracks (Kaserne Ukamas), the officers' mess (Casino Ukamas) and the officers' residence (Offizierhaus Ukamas).

Produced in 1910, during the period of German administration of South West Africa (1884–1915), this unusual object commemorates a specific military company and location in what is today Namibia.

Rather than being a generic souvenir, its detailed inscriptions and architectural representations offer a fascinating glimpse into the military presence and everyday institutional life of the period.

Object details:

• Origin: German South West Africa (present-day Namibia)

• Date: 1910

• Inscription: 2nd Company, Ukamas

• Material: Possibly silver-plated brass (not yet definitively identified)

• Height: Approximately 16 cm

• Weight: Less than 100 g (estimated)

• Maker's mark: None identified

• Condition: Excellent aged patina, with original appearance and clearly legible inscriptions.

Provenance

From the private collection of the late Peter Haller, founder of Peter's Antiques, Swakopmund, Namibia (established 1983). A piece from a personal collection built around a lifelong appreciation of historical objects and antiques.

A scarce and historically interesting commemorative object, particularly appealing to collectors of German colonial history, Namibian history, military memorabilia and early 20th-century decorative metalwork.