An elegant Victorian folding fan featuring a delicate white lace leaf design mounted on wooden sticks, presented alongside a set of seven antique blue glass buttons. The fan and buttons are professionally mounted against a black velvet ground within a custom fan-shaped giltwood shadowbox frame. The guard sticks of the fan showcase intricate relief carving and silvered pique inlay, while the accompanying molded glass buttons feature a swirling aesthetic-period design highlighted in silver luster.

A handwritten note on the reverse preserves the provenance of the buttons, dating them specifically to 1882. This assembly represents a classic late-Victorian keepsake display, preserving delicate personal accessories of the era in a high-quality presentation.

Condition Report & Provenance

• Subject / Sitter: Victorian lace fan and antique buttons
• Period: Victorian (circa 1880-1890)
• Origin: Fan likely French or Belgian; framed in the United States
• Material / Technique: Handmade lace, molded glass with silver luster, giltwood frame
• Markings: Reverse of the frame features a stamp for "OUTBACK PICTURE FRAMING, 94 A Brickyard Rd, Etowah, NC 28729" and a handwritten pencil inscription on a paper envelope reading "BUTTONS FROM 1882"
• Condition: Fan and buttons appear in excellent antique condition, securely mounted. The modern giltwood shadowbox frame is stable with very minor surface wear to the gilding.

History

During the late 19th century, framed fans became highly popular decorative objects, allowing families to preserve and display delicate heirlooms such as wedding fans. The inclusion of dated buttons from 1882 suggests a deeply personal commemorative assembly, likely honoring a specific family event or individual from the late Victorian period. Such displays are highly sought after by collectors of fashion history and Victorian decorative arts.