ROYAL VIENNA PORCELAIN COVERED PRESENTATION URN & STAND, EMPEROR FRANZ JOSEPH, C. 1886, H 20", W 11":A classical style porcelain urn flanked by angular handles and featuring a hand-painted portrait of Emperor Franz Joseph I of Austria within an oval reserve, signed "F. Wagner Wien" at the center left, surmounted by a cover and raised on a separate square base; each piece decorated overall with fired gold scrolls and bellflowers on a cobalt blue ground. The urn and the base are each marked in blue under glaze with a beehive/shield mark, the base is also impressed 98. Provenance: A gift of appreciation from the Emperor Franz Joseph of Austria to Rear Admiral Ralph Chandler, who, while in command of the Brooklyn Navy yard, assisted in the recovery of an Austrian officer who fell overboard and had his remains returned to his native country. Together with a folder enclosing several hand-written and typed letters, their transcriptions in some cases, and various newspaper clippings supporting the provenance of the presentation piece (see additional photos).

Measures H.20" overall, W.11" to the handles. The overall condition is readily apparent in the numerous additional photos. The square base of the urn is chipped at three corners, measuring 1/16" x 1/8", 1/4" x 1/8", and 1/4" x 3/4", approximately (see additional photos), also a sticky residue on one handle (evident in the photos); the cover and separate base appear to be in good condition although all pieces show wear to the fired gold due to handling; the worn rims of the base have been touched up. Under black light all pieces appear to be without restoration. Chs