Extravagant lace handkerchief with the monogram of Maria Immakulata, born Archduchess of Austria and Duke Robert of Württemberg. Maria was a sister-in-law of Marie-Valerie (a daughter of Empress Sisi/Elisabeth of Austria), a great-great-great-granddaughter of Emperor Leopold II of Austria and a great-great-great-granddaughter of Empress Maria Theresa of Austria. On October 29, 1900, Maria married Duke Robert von Württemberg, five years her senior and a son of Duke Philipp von Württemberg and Marie Theresa of Austria, in Vienna. On the occasion of this royal wedding, a whole trousseau was made, including handkerchiefs. Perhaps the handkerchiefs were presented to Maria by a prominent guest as a wedding gift. Handkerchiefs of this kind cost a small fortune even back then. This handkerchief is made of cotton batiste with bobbin lace trim on the edge. Embroidered monogram. In excellent condition. Never used. The photograph is not included. It can be supplied as a copy if you are interested.

The Jewels of Maria Immaculata were auctioned for millions of euros November 2023 at Sotheby's in Geneva. 

We acquired this handkerchief, together with other wonderful and rare pieces, from the estate of Dr. Alexander Eugen Duke of Württemberg (1933-2024).

Dimensions: ~ 33 x 33 cm

Biographical details: 
Maria Immakulata of Austria (full name: Maria Immakulata Rainera Josepha Ferdinande Theresia Leopoldine Antoinette Henriette Franziska Karoline Aloysia Januaria Christine Philomena Rosalia; * September 3, 1878 in Baden (Lower Austria); † November 25, 1968 at Altshausen Castle, Altshausen, Baden-Württemberg) was a born Archduchess of Austria as well as Princess of Tuscany and by marriage Duchess of Württemberg.
Maria Immakulata was descended from the House of Habsburg. She was the seventh child and fourth daughter of Archduke Karl Salvator of Austria-Tuscany and his wife Maria Immaculata of Naples-Sicily. Maria Immaculata died in 1968 at the age of 90 at Altshausen Castle in Württemberg, where she was also buried.