DATE: Victorian, c.1880

Charming Victorian ballspende (aka dance card or carnet de bal) pendant, circa 1880. It comprises a silver cased "booklet" with small sheets of paper inside, and a propelling pencil that, when slotted into place, keeps the cover firmly shut. The cover is EPNS silver, with intricate hand-engraved ivy leaf motifs. The purpose: to record with whom she will dance at formal dances and balls. With origins as far back as the 17th century, they became popular in the dance halls of Vienna, and elsewhere in Europe during the 19th and into the early 20th centuries. The cards were often worn an a ribbon or thread around the wrist, and would allow the wearer to "pencil in" the names of gentlemen seeking a dance. 

MEASUREMENTS 

5.7 x 3.6cm

WEIGHT 

24.3g

MARKS 

EPNS - electro-plated nickel silver

CONDITION 

Very good, light wear commensurate with age