A Hungarian velvet jacket that once belonged to Empress Sisi has sold for GBP 52,000 at auction in Austria.
The auction took place in Vienna on 11th June, and saw the Austrian princess’ jacket dating back to around 1880 selling for EUR 62,400 (GBP 52,697).
Newsflash obtained a statement from Dorotheum, which is the largest auction house in central Europe and is located in Vienna, dated 11th June saying: “Personal items belonging to Empress Elisabeth and Emperor Francis Joseph were very popular with buyers at the Imperial Court Memorabilia auction at Dorotheum on 11th June 2024.
“Empress Elisabeth adored Hungarian folklore clothing, which she enjoyed wearing in Vienna.
“Her Hungarian velvet jacket from around 1880 was auctioned for EUR 62,400.
“The personal fan with the Empress’s monogram and the Hungarian crown of St. Stephen was worth EUR 9,100 [GBP 7,685] to one bidder, while the oil painting of the Empress in a black Hungarian dress fetched EUR 48,100 [GBP 40,630].
“The choice of wardrobe was also a political statement by the Empress, who cultivated close contacts with Hungary and thus decisively improved the relationship between the Hungarians and the House of Habsburg.
“Elisabeth’s riding skills were equally legendary, and her personal riding crop realised EUR 16,900 [GBP 14,275].
“Francis Joseph was also an enthusiastic horseman. However, he wore his half-boots with spurs on occasions when he was not on horseback.
“Eugen Ketterl, Emperor Francis Joseph’s personal valet, confirmed on his business card in 1914 ‘the authenticity of these decommissioned half-boots’ belonging to the Emperor.
“EUR 7,800 [GBP 6,587] was the highest bid for them. Francis Joseph’s glasses from the last years of his life were auctioned off for an outstanding EUR 19,500 [GBP 16,470].”
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Story By: Joseph Golder, Sub-Editor: Joseph Golder, Agency: Newsflash
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