ROYAL Beaver Fur and Bird Hat, from the estate of Princess Clementine d'Orléans, Princess of Saxe-Coburg and Gotha-Koháry, ca. 1860

With this beaver fur hat, we have to start the story from the back.

We acquired this hat, along with other wonderful and rare pieces, from the estate of Dr. Alexander Eugen Duke of Württemberg (1933-2024). The hat was stored with other items in a suitcase with the label "Princess Marie Louise of Bulgaria (née Princess of Bourbon-Parma) hand-embroidered underwear / parasols of Princess Clementine of Saxe-Coburg née Princess of Orleans".

Alexander was the son of Nadejda Klementine Maria of Bulgaria (1899-1958) and Albrecht Eugen Duke of Württemberg (1895-1954).

Nadejda's parents were Princess Marie Louise of Bourbon-Parma (1870-1899) and Tsar Ferdinand I of Bulgaria (1861-1948). 

Ferdinand I's parents were Prince August of Saxe-Coburg-Coháry and Princess Clementine d'Orléans (1817-1907). 

This hat comes from Clementine, who wore it in Vienna around 1880. The couple lived in the Palais Coburg in Vienna. This hat came into the possession of the House of Württemberg together with other items through inheritance. 

The hat is made of beaver fur and decorated with an iridescent, exotic bird. Cords, which probably represent a branch, round off the distinctive appearance. The chin cord is in its original condition. In very good condition. Very, very rare - not only because of its provenance, but also because of its state of preservation.