Ornate Swiss Baptism Certificate Dated 1888 This antique christening letter is beautiful ephemera hand work. The top of the envelope is decorated with a fine oval wreath of stiff threads. I am tempted to say it is horse hair but it seems too thin. In the middle is a yellow and white scrap paper flower with deep relief and a satiny surface. There are four tiny gold stars and a little white satin bow too. Inside the envelope is certificate with the name of the baby (Johann Werren) and other details. The date is 22 November 1888. If there is interest I can translate all of the inscriptions. The folded certificate goes into a pretty box with fancy printing on the surface. It translates "Remembrance of the day of Holy Baptism". Attached to the inside is also a small envelope which I assume was for a lock of the baby’s hair. There is some light age marks on the box, but the general condition is good. The box measures 4 5/8 inches (12 cm) x 3 inches (8cm) x ½ inch (1.5 cm). Overseas postage $8.00



 

Victorian Beaded Immortelles Wreath This early folk art heirloom is an Immortelles wreath especially used in France and Italy as a memorial decoration. These have become rare and collectable because many of them displayed outside were destroyed by exposure. In fact the tiny beads that finally fell off were collected to be used again as each wreath is hand made. For this pretty Immortelles opaque white, and green beads were strung on wire and shaped into flowers and leaves. The wire only goes through the bead once indication the French method. All the wire is wrapped with a satiny off white string. In the center is a lovely hand painted bisque angel with outstretched arms and blue wings. The face is sweet and delicate. The diameter is 11 ½ inches (29 cm). The angel is 3 inches (7.5cm) in height. The condition is good, clean and the whole piece is strong. The pretty angel has no defects. This piece is relatively small and perfect for decorative use. Overseas postage $35.00 insurance included. $850.00