1908 Signed Prince Arthur Photo Victoria Son Sterling Silver Cypher Frame WWI For Sale

👑 1908 Hand-Signed Royal Presentation Photo: Prince Arthur in Hallmarked Sterling Silver FrameUp for absolute sale is a historically significant, original Royal Presentation Photograph signed by Field Marshal Prince Arthur, Duke of Connaught and Strathearn (1850–1942). Prince Arthur was the third son (and seventh child) of Queen Victoria and Prince Albert.The large-format portrait captures the Duke in his magnificent Field Marshal dress uniform, heavily adorned with sashes, medals, and prestigious orders. He has boldly hand-signed the bottom left corner in dark ink: "Arthur F.M." (Field Marshal). On the lower right corner, he personally hand-dated the location of deployment: "Cairo 15.12.08" (December 15, 1908), marking his time as Commander-in-Chief of the Mediterranean forces.⚜️ Solid Sterling Silver Bezel & Personal Royal Cypher
This piece is housed in its rare, original luxury easel-back presentation frame. Unlike common plated frames of the era, the bezel border is crafted from Solid .925 Sterling Silver. The upper border is crowned with a highly detailed, applied three-dimensional Crowned Royal "A" Cypher Monogram specific to Prince Arthur.The inner rim is stamped with a pristine, complete set of official British Silver Hallmarks:

The Lion Passant: Historic official stamp certifying .925 Sterling Purity.
The Anchor: Stamped by the prestigious Birmingham, England Assay Office.
The Date Letter "i": Certifying the silver was assayed and stamped in exactly 1908—perfectly matching the handwritten inscription date.
📏 Dimensions & Detailed Condition Report
PLEASE READ CAREFULLY AND REVIEW ALL PHOTOS:

Photograph Size: Measures approximately 11 inches by 6.25 inches, printed on a substantial, heavy period studio cardboard mount.
Total Frame Size: Measures 12.25 inches by 7.25 inches.
Portrait Condition: The ink signatures are incredibly crisp and dark with zero modern fading. The photograph shows significant, authentic age wear, including extensive surface flaking and emulsion loss concentrated along the top edge, upper right corner, and scattered across the background/figure. There is a prominent, severe vertical band of discoloration, staining, and fading running down the entire right edge.
Frame Condition: The solid sterling silver border retains a beautiful, deep uncleaned dark antique patina with clear, crisp Birmingham 1908 hallmarks. The frame is complete with its original textured easel-back stand, but is missing the front glass pane. All hallmarks, signatures, and surface flaws are completely pictured.
An elite centerpiece for advanced collectors of British Royalty, antique hallmarked sterling silver, or early 20th-century military history. Sold exactly as found.📦 Shipping & Handling: This high-value item will be packed with museum-level security. Wrapped in multiple layers of heavy bubble wrap and sent in an oversized rigid box. Shipped via fully tracked, insured mail.