1820s “Old Vienna” Biedermeier portfolio 1920s reprint collection

Alt Wiener Stick-Muster translates to “Old Viennese Embroidery Patterns” and these lovely, classic florals, birds and scenes are as classic today as they were nearly 200 years ago. The original charts date to the early 1800s and this complete set of 4 blue portfolios was produced around 1925 in Germany. A total of 32 different cards, 8 in each blue folder. Each card measures 4-7/8″ by 7-1/8″ with the charted portion measuring about 3-1/4″ by 4-3/4″.

The cards are in excellent condition, clean and bright (and would frame beautifully as a grouping), the blue portfolios have some wear and fading. Two cards have light pencil notations in the white margins, and one has a stain along the outer edge that does not come close to the color chart. As is typical of antique patterns, no thread color numbers are suggested and stitch counts are not offered.

A signature will be required at delivery for this item.

I’ve collected all 32 pattern plates into a reproduction book titled “Berlin Work Patterns from Old Vienna” which includes the original essay from the series, which I’ve translated from German into English. The book is perfect if you’d like to enjoy stitching the patterns and not worry about handling the antique cards, and it can be seen here.