Three large last quarter 19th century fans, the first dated 18 JAN 1883 engraved underneath the initialled metal closing clasp fixed at the top of the guards, the rear guard also bearing a metal plate of entwined initials, the wood guards stained black, the gorge sticks pierced, the chestnut silk satin leaf embroidered in silks to the recto with flowering branches, the verso plain ruby silk, guard length approx. 13.75 inches or 35cm; a circa 1890’s fan of black wood, painted, mounted with a cotton leaf printed with stylised flowers and leaves, the verso of paper with a similar print, guard length approx. 12.75 inches or 32.5cm; and a third fan slightly smaller, shaped wood sticks with a band of gilded leaves and pastel flowers, the cotton leaf printed with paisley designs of the 1870’s, further embroidered in gold thread, the verso a plain black glazed cotton, guard approx. 11 inches or 28cm (3) See Éventails Europeéns by Maryse Volet page 107 and her research on patents for this clasp, in this case E. Kees 1878.