My Ear-Trumpet Has Been Struck By Lightning

theoddmentemporium:

Dance Cards
Originating in the 18th century, but growing in popularity throughout the 19th century, dance cards were small, decorative notebooks used by women to record the names of the men who had promised them a dance at a ball.
As can be seen in the fan-shaped example above, the names of each dance that will be played at the event are noted already on the blue “Dances” sections, whilst the “Engagements”, or the names of the men with whom the woman intends to dance, are marked in ink beside them. Apparently the men would just have to remember by heart with whom they had promised the dance.
The dance cards came in particularly handy at the massive 19th century balls of Vienna, especially those during Fasching, just before Lent. Most dance cards incorporated a pencil and a cord to attach to the woman’s wrist, however, more elaborate dance cards of the elite were sometimes decorated with precious metals or jewels.

Dance Cards

Originating in the 18th century, but growing in popularity throughout the 19th century, dance cards were small, decorative notebooks used by women to record the names of the men who had promised them a dance at a ball.

As can be seen in the fan-shaped example above, the names of each dance that will be played at the event are noted already on the blue “Dances” sections, whilst the “Engagements”, or the names of the men with whom the woman intends to dance, are marked in ink beside them. Apparently the men would just have to remember by heart with whom they had promised the dance.

The dance cards came in particularly handy at the massive 19th century balls of Vienna, especially those during Fasching, just before Lent. Most dance cards incorporated a pencil and a cord to attach to the woman’s wrist, however, more elaborate dance cards of the elite were sometimes decorated with precious metals or jewels.

(via mrsasimov)

bluecollarclassicist:

Courtesy of the V&A Museum: A 19th century man juggling rifles with fixed bayonets.

As you do.

art-of-swords:

French Ceremonial Dagger

Dated: circa 1860’s – 1870’s

Measurements: approx. 8-3/8” long with a 5” double edged dagger blade and a 2-7/8”

Blade shows four pierced fullers with decorative designs. Blade flats show scroll engraving. It has a raised ricasso that hows engraved knight on both sides. The hilt features a one piece cast silver-plated figural pattern with integral crossguard and depicts a winged cherub and animal motif.

Source: © iCollector Technologies Inc.

(via propagandery)

First tests of old patent medicine remedies from a museum collection

What was in Dr. F. G. Johnson’s French Female Pills and other scientifically untested elixirs, nostrums and other quack cures that were the only medicines available to sick people during the 18th, 19th and early 20th centuries?

(Source: gwydionmisha)