Need help deciphering royal/noble monogram on Luen Wo Chinese Export Silver frame

The Basics... Identification Help - What is it?
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Hello everyone,

I would highly appreciate your expertise in identifying a monogram on an antique silver picture frame.

The frame is Chinese Export Silver, clearly hallmarked on the back with “LUEN WO” and the artisan mark “春” (Chun) for the famous Shanghai silversmith, dating around 1880–1920.

On the top medallion, there is a finely engraved European royal or noble monogram. It shows a highly stylized mirror monogram (a mirrored/intertwined double “A”) under a closed royal crown.

A military/militaria auction house has already ruled out Prince Adalbert of Prussia, so it likely belongs to another European monarch, noble house, or diplomat who resided in or visited Shanghai around 1900.

Can anyone help me identify which specific royal house or king this monogram belonged to?

Thank you very much in advance for your help!

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"A", it’s for sure.

But the historical context is a mystery to me.

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"Thank you for the reply! Yes, it’s definitely an ‘A’. However, the image you shared shows a completely different monogram and a different historical context.

  1. The Crown: The monogram from your picture (Count Antoni Potocki) features an open Count’s crown (Grafenkrone) with the typical visible pearls. In contrast, my piece features a closed Royal crown (Königskrone) with arches, topped by a globus cruciger (a cross on top of a sphere). Since a ruling monarch ranks much higher than a count in the aristocratic hierarchy, this indicates my piece belongs to a member of a royal house or a sovereign principality, rather than regular nobility.
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I know the meaning of the crown perfectly – I only referred to the letter’s font as confirmation that it’s an “A” (despite its odd appearance). I’ll leave the historical context to those with more experience. I’m sure someone will be able to help you. Good luck!

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Thank you for your message! Your confirmation that despite the unusual written form it is an ‘A’ helps me a lot. I will now turn to experienced historians and heraldists and hope to be able to solve the mystery completely soon. Thank you for your kind support and all the best!

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