German South West Africa 1914 – National Exhibition Honorary Prize (Ehrenpreis), Windhuk

Price: €350

A rare and historically fascinating piece of German South West African history.

This original metal honorary prize commemorates the Deutsch-Südwestafrikanische Landesausstellung, held in Windhuk (today Windhoek, Namibia) from 29 May to 1 June 1914, under the patronage of His Imperial Highness the German Crown Prince.

The front bears the original German inscription:

“Südwestafrikanische Landesausstellung. Unter dem Protektorate S. Kais. Hoheit des Kronprinzen. Windhuk 29 Mai – 1 Juni 1914.”

The reverse features an attractive relief depicting African wildlife and landscape, including an antelope and an ostrich, together with a crown and the inscription “EHRENPREIS” (Honorary Prize).

The plaque is attributed to Mayer & Wilhelm, Stuttgart, Germany, a recognised manufacturer of medals and commemorative metalwork. The partially visible maker's mark “M. & W. ST.” appears in the lower right corner.

The 1914 exhibition showcased the agricultural, commercial and industrial development of German South West Africa. Interestingly, it took place just months before the outbreak of the First World War and the subsequent end of German colonial administration in Namibia in 1915.

Object Details

• Date: 1914

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

• Event: National Exhibition, Windhuk

• Award: Ehrenpreis (Honorary Prize)

• Manufacturer: Attributed to Mayer & Wilhelm, Stuttgart, Germany

• Maker's mark: M. & W. ST. (partially visible)

• Material: Probably plated cast bronze

• Dimensions: Approximately 7 × 10 cm

• Weight: Approximately 350 g (estimated)

• Condition: Attractive aged patina with age-related surface wear

Private Collection Provenance – Peter Haller

An additional point of interest is the provenance of this piece. It was formerly part of the private collection of Peter Haller, founder of Peter's Antiques in Swakopmund, Namibia, established in 1983.

Peter Haller was a passionate collector and dealer in antiques and historical artefacts, with a particular connection to Namibia's rich cultural and colonial history.

This piece therefore carries not only historical significance but also a personal connection to the history of antique collecting in Namibia.

Discover Another Piece of Exhibition History

Interested in the history of agricultural exhibitions in German South West Africa?

Haller Treasure Chest also features a fascinating historical postcard depicting the First Farm Exhibition in Windhuk (around 1910). This original postcard provides a wonderful visual glimpse into the agricultural exhibitions that took place in the colony just a few years before the 1914 National Exhibition.

The postcard and this honorary prize complement each other beautifully, offering two different perspectives on the exhibition history of German South West Africa in the early 20th century.

Discover the related historical postcard in our collection:

PC A 006.2 – German South West Africa: First Farm Exhibition in Windhuk – Historical Postcard

A Piece of Namibian History

An unusual collector's piece, particularly appealing to enthusiasts of Namibian history, German colonial memorabilia, historical exhibitions and early 20th-century European metalwork.

A tangible reminder of a fascinating chapter in Namibia's history, dating from the final months of German administration.

Offered by Haller Treasure Chest.