Spectacular Acquisition

Mannheim Castle acquires an important cutlery of Electress Elisabeth Auguste

The finely crafted cutlery originates from the personal property of the Electress and is quite a sensation, since so far only a set of twelve knives and forks with the initials of her husband Carl Theodor (1724-1799), Prince-Elector of Palatine and of Bavaria, was known (Treasury of the Munich Residence).

The handles are made of green colored staghorn adorned with fine silver piqué, the blade and fork are made of iron with gold decorated etchings and engravings showing the monogram of the Electress Elisabeth Auguste, the electoral crown and the date 1747. This refers to the year in which the elector first visited thetown Solingen, renowned for the manufacturing of fine swords and knives. Presumably this cutlery is a gift of dedication by the Solinger swordsmiths for the electoral couple.

The purchase was made possible through the support of the State Toto-Lotto Company. With the restoration of the museum area, the Mannheim Palace offers since five years a lively look at the rich history of the residence. Over 100 000 visitors have visited the castle last year to learn about art and culture of the Mannheim court life.