In 1806 French emperor Napoleon I dissolved the Holy Roman Empire, which had been dominated by the Habsburgs since the 1200's. In 1815, however, at the conclusion of the Napoleonic Wars, Austria ( ruled by the Habsburgs ) emerged as a powerful European force. For the next half century, the Habsburg monarchy ruled.

These single page passports ( Reise - Pass ) are in the name of Franz Joseph I emperor of Austria and king of Hungary and Bohemia, of Lombardia and Venetia, of Galicia, Lodomeria, Illyria etc., who divided his empire into the dual monarchy, in which Austria and Hungary coexisted as equal partners.

Each of these passports bears all information about the potential traveler, including name, character, birthplace, birth year, religion, stature, hair color etc. All officially signed by the Governor and General Commander of the Serbian area of Timis ( Western Romania ) and Banate ( Southern Hungary ). Finely printed in large format ( measuring approximately 9 x 16 inches or 24 x 40 centimeters ) in blue with a decorative border. Each document is sealed with a signed revenue stamp ( s ) and dated in the mid 1850's. The reverse gives instructions as to what the traveler must do in different places ( e.g. In Serbia, Walachia and Moldova one must do this and that - whereas in France or Russia a traveler needs to report to the Consulate in so many days etc. ). These are all in very fine condition.