ROYAL Wedding Lace Parasol, from the estate of Maria Immakulata, Archduchess of Austria-Tuscany and Duchess of Württemberg, ca. 1900

Extraordinary umbrella given to Duchess Maria Immakulata von Württemberg by her husband, Robert von Württemberg, for their wedding on October 29, 1900. The wedding took place in Vienna. This magnificent umbrella was probably also made in Vienna. The umbrella is a gift of love from Robert to Maria. The four-leaf clover stands for good luck. The three blue rings on the handle stand for loyalty, purity and constancy. The remaining materials, such as silver, gold (?), tortoiseshell and enamel, symbolize the value of this relationship. Master's mark "A.W." and indistinct mark. Original cloth bag for the detachable (very valuable) handle. Label: H.M.v.W. No. 183. The cover of this umbrella is made of silk, including a ring to close the umbrella. Metal tip. In good condition. The umbrella leaf has a tear. 2-3 flakes on the small shamrocks. The tortoiseshell handle is uneven in one place. Either it is in the material itself or it is a small crack. Either way, the umbrella is simply a sensation. Simple and yet very, very elegant.

Listed in the handwritten "Inventar der Herzogin Maria von Württemberg": p. 84, No. 183: ""Umbrella handle, shield scabbard with *** enamel shamrocks and rings. A gift from Duke Robert of Württemberg as his bridegroom in 1900" (see last photo). There is no better proof that the umbrella came from the personal possession of Maria Immakulata.

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

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

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.