Re-ennoblement Processes and Genealogic Agents. The Scandal in the Department of Aristocracy of the Ministry of Interior at the Beginning of the 20th Century
2009
Abstract
A title could be gained, but also lost for example due to falling social standing. From the beginning of the 19th century Austrian law allowed these families to apply for renewal of their past social standing.
This, however, was misused by a number of imposters who with the help of some civil servants turned validating of titles into a prosperous business.