ROYAL Chantilly Lace Parasol, from the estate of Maria Immakulata, Archduchess of Austria-Tuscany and Duchess of Württemberg, ca. 1906

Extraordinary umbrella given to Duchess Maria Immakulata von Württemberg by her husband, Robert von Württemberg, for Christmas 1906. The dominant colors are pink and black. The tip of the chantilly is black, while the shade cover and the inner cover are salmon or pink. The shade and shade base are decorated with chiffon. The umbrella handle is a combination of tortoiseshell and amethyst, with silver inlays. Original cloth bag for the detachable (very valuable) handle. Label: H.M.v.W. No. 184. The umbrella is in very good condition. A few tears in the outer covering. These do not detract from its exquisite appearance and aristocratic provenance.

Listed in the handwritten "Inventar der Herzogin Maria von Württemberg": p. 84, no. 184: "Umbrella handle, shield red with moss agate and Louis XVI decoration. A gift from Duke Robert of Württemberg for Christmas 1906, including the umbrella (pink) with genuine old black lace" (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.