81. 1898 Viennese Commemorative Ballspenden as Elaborate Album
to the Bavarian Prince Leopold in 1873. It was likely given as a a luxury party favor at a Vienna Ball of that time. Excellent condition, with very lovely photograph, and wonderful design. Vienna, circa 1873. $900/1300
3" (8 cm.) Designed in the shape of an album or book, with firm-sided leather cover having gold tooling and ormolu oval frame which encloses an elaborate silver and gilt symbolic design and the relief images of Emperor Ferdinand I and Emperor Franz Joseph along with the dates 1848 - 1898. The album opens to gold and black striped silk lined interior, and indication of the February 18, 1898 Vienna ball for the military scientists. The Ballspenden commemorates the 50th anniversary of the reign of Emperor Franz Joseph. With original pencil, elaborate braided cord and velvet tassels, and with clip shield with the royal crest. Excellent condition. Vienna, a rare and deluxe ballspenden, 1898. $900/1200
83.
84. Mid-1800s Viennese Ballspenden with Sepia Photograph of Empress Elisabeth (Sissi) 3" (8 cm.) The oval-shaped box with filigree sides and lattice design on the lid that centers an oval framed image of the beloved Empress Elisabeth of Vienna, known as Sissi. The detailed photograph depicts Sissi's stylish coiffure with braided coronet, and elegant costume bodice. The interior is lined in magenta silk. Near mint condition. Vienna, mid-1800s, the ballspenden was given as an extra party favor at a ball of the epoch. $800/1200
82. 1883 Viennese Ballspenden as Album with Miniature Sepia Photographs of Vienna 3" (8 cm.) Designed in album book form, with firm-sided lushly-covered dark green velvet and having center panel of sculpted gargoyle-like design above the gilt banner "Juristen Ball" and framed by elaborate gilded metal fretwork. The album has gold-edged pages, green silk lining, gold lettering indicating the Juristenball (Lawyer's ball) of February 6, 1883, order of dances, and two sepia miniature photos of Vienna, probably the scenes of the ball. With green cord and tassels, brass clip. Generally excellent, pencil tip broken off. Vienna, 1883. $900/1300
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85. 1907 Viennese Ballspenden in the Shape of Folding Fan 4" (10 cm.) fan. Of faux-ivory, the 11-blade folding fan has hand-painted garlands of flowers with woven ribbon ties, aqua velvet tassel and cord, and the attached booklet for the 17th annual Edelsinn-Ball on February 19, 1907, with dance order inside. Very good condition, pencil lacking. Vienna, 1907, the fan is perfectly sized for display with lady dolls. $400/600
83. Viennese Ballspenden Favor as Miniature Desk with Image of Princess Gisela 3" (8 cm.) The gilded metal party favor, in the shape of a lady's desk with slant front is decorated with raised floral designs that center an oval medallion with sepia photograph of Princess Gisela, with beveled glass sides and back, and velvet lined interior. The ballspenden favor, honoring the Viennese-born daughter of Empress Elisabeth, appears to depict the princess about the time of her marriage
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84 detail.