Victorian Ivy Leaf "Ballspende" Dance Card Pendant with Pencil
Victorian Ivy Leaf "Ballspende" Dance Card Pendant with Pencil
$375.00
Description
DATE: Victorian, c.1880
Charming Victorian ballspende (aka dance card or carnet de bal) pendant, circa 1880. It comprises a silver cased "booklet" with small sheets of paper inside, and a propelling pencil that, when slotted into place, keeps the cover firmly shut. The cover is EPNS silver, with intricate hand-engraved ivy leaf motifs. The purpose: to record with whom she will dance at formal dances and balls. With origins as far back as the 17th century, they became popular in the dance halls of Vienna, and elsewhere in Europe during the 19th and into the early 20th centuries. The cards were often worn an a ribbon or thread around the wrist, and would allow the wearer to "pencil in" the names of gentlemen seeking a dance.
MEASUREMENTS
5.7 x 3.6cm
WEIGHT
24.3g
MARKS
EPNS - electro-plated nickel silver
CONDITION
Very good, light wear commensurate with age
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