Two German Imperial Linen Damask Tablecloths, Germany dated 1907 and 1910 respectively

each woven with the insignia and related motto for the highest chivalric orders and honours of the Kingdom of Prussia, including the Royal and Princely House Order of Hohenzollern, Order of the Black Eagle, Order of the Red Eagle, Iron Cross (1870), and the Order of the Swan, which include a central motif of the crowned eagle with sceptre, incorporating Royal initials 'FR' (Fredericus Rex), within a surrounding border swag incorporating eagles, stars, the Maltese cross, ribboned laurel and oak, the corners with a swan and monogram and include medallions with the associated Latin inscriptions associated with the different orders, including: 'VOM FELS ZUM MET' (from the cliffs to the sea), 'FÜR TREUE UND VERDIENST' (for loyalty and merit) and 'SUUM CUIQUE' (to each according to his merits), 'SINCERE ET CONSTANTE' (sincere and constant)
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Good condition overall: 350 by 350cm; 11ft. 5in. by 11ft. 5in. Woven with eagle holding orb, white coloured cloth overall, embroidered with small whitework laundry mark/date in corner: B 1907 346 by 346cm; 11ft. 4in. by 11ft. 4in. Woven with eagle holding globe, white coloured cloth overall, embroidered with small whitework laundry mark in corner: B 1910 This cloth has been laundered more than other and has some wear to the previously (original) smooth surface. Both are historic cloths in usable condition. For all sales which take place on or after 1 February 2015, please note that the rate of buyer's premium for each lot (charged as a percentage of the hammer price achieved for that lot) has been revised and shall be calculated at the thresholds set out below: Buyer's premium is 25% of the hammer price up to and including £100,000; Buyer's premium is 20% of the hammer price on any amount in excess of £100, 000 up to and including £1,800,000; Buyer's premium is 12% of the hammer price on any amount in excess of £1,800,000. As stated above, the revised thresholds are effective as of 1 February 2015.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

The Order of the Iron Cross 1870 was only awarded nine times. Two members of the Imperial family were awarded this high decoration, the Generalfieldmarschall Crown Prince Friedrich Wilhelm of Prussia (1831-1888) and his father, Kaiser Wilhelm I (1797-1888). The Princely order of the Principality of Hohenzollern was founded in 1871, and was originally awarded in two classes, with a third being added in 1844. The order is still awarded today to the head of the family.