The Empress of Austria's riding whip, c.1875 with ivory simulated cord grip, silver band with the imperial crest and with pommel in the shape of an imperial crown, contained in a glazed mahogany...

The Empress of Austria's riding whip, c.1875 with ivory simulated cord grip, silver band with the imperial crest and with pommel in the shape of an imperial crown, contained in a glazed mahogany presentation case, the back with a silvered crest plate engraved with the imperial Hapsburg Arms. Provenance: Rahinstown House, Co. Meath The Empress ''Sisi'' of Bavaria (1837-1898), the beautiful wife of the aging emperor of Austria was a notable horsewoman. She took Easton Neston in Northamptonshire but hearing reports of the quality of hunting in County Meath came to stay with Lord Langford at Summerhill for the 1879/ 1880 season. She was accompanied by the dashing ''Bay'' Middleton, a.d.c. to the Lord Lieutenant, Earl Spencer. The Master of the Meath Hunt was Captain Robert Fowler of near by Rahinston. Sisi said it was the happiest period of her life. The hunting was certainly exciting and locals assumed ''Bay'' was as well.

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