Cotillon Medal / Prussia, Medal Pour le Mérite
Material: embossed, coated cardboard, fabric ribbon
Size: with ribbon 8 cm high, 5 cm wide
Age: ca. 1880/1900
Origin: Germany, Dresden
Condition:
Very good used condition.
The cotillon:
The cotillion, which was particularly popular at the end of the 19th century, was the highlight of every ball at the time. It consisted of a varied sequence of contredances, including polkas and waltzes, which drew their charm from changing groups, sometimes free choice of partner and playful interludes. The numerous tours were announced by a festival usher and enriched with flowers for the ladies and paper medals for the men. The cotillon medals are sometimes very elaborately crafted. Cellophane, wafers and textile components were often used alongside gold or silver-coated embossed cardboard. The cotillon medals were kept and hung on the Christmas tree because of their beauty and color.
Dresden cardboard ornaments
Dresden cardboard or Dresden cardboard is the name given to Christmas tree decorations made of fine embossed cardboard. Produced since around 1870, it had its heyday from 1880 to 1916, owing its name to the area of manufacture, the area around Dresden. The variety of shapes knew no bounds, ranging from animals, plants, houses and musical instruments to riders, carriages and steamships.
