[Dance Card or Carnet du Bal] 1 Februar 1879 Touristen Kranzchen Blumensale. Oesterreicher Touristen-Club. Mit Herz und Hand fur's Alpenland; "Post Kar'ln" von der Alm

Vienna, 1879. Full Morocco. Near Fine. Extraordinary dance card for a Belle Epoque ball and possibly benefit. The card proper is held atop a staff, like a placard that might be held high in a parade. The tin and brass object is 19 cm high, and the backing at the top to which is attached the booklet proper is 6.5 by 6 cm, not counting the ornamental pediment. The booklet is 4 by 5.5 oblong, and it opens from the top. Besides the list of dances for the evening, the booklet gives credit to the music's composers, and it also contains a roster of the club's officials. (truncated) The dance was in honor of Archduke Carl Ludwig. Also surviving is the original pencil, which acts as a clasp holding the booklet closed. The pencil has splintered a bit at the tip. Otherwise, the object is in wonderful shape, with even the original string and tassel none the worse for wear. (Inventory #: 003276)