In August 1892, two women, Countess Anastasia Kielmannsegg and Princess Pauline von Metternich, resolved a dispute in an unconventional way: with swords in hand and topless. The reason? Disagreement over flower arrangements for an upcoming Vienna Musical Theatrical Exhibition.

The disagreement started as a small argument over floral arrangements, but quickly escalated into a physical confrontation between these two "super socialites" from Austria. After failed attempts to resolve the issue verbally, they decided to resolve the issue in the most direct way possible: with a sword duel.

They chose local representatives of the elite to serve as representatives and judges, including Baroness Lubinskaya, a medical expert who suggested that the duelists fight without their top pieces to avoid infection. The two women agreed, and everyone present was instructed to stand back and turn away as they prepared for the confrontation.

Although Countess Kielmannsegg was skilled with a sword, Princess Pauline managed to wound her in the nose during the duel. Blood gushed out, and Pauline immediately rushed to help her opponent, dropping her sword. Unfortunately, her opponent didn't understand the situation and hit the princess's hand, who screamed in pain.

As a medical professional, Baroness Lubinskaya provided first aid, and fortunately the injuries were not fatal. Surprisingly, after receiving help, Pauline and Anastasia hugged, ending the confrontation in an unexpectedly peaceful way. In the end, Pauline von Metternich was declared the winner of the duel, according to some sources.

Although shirtless sword duels were nothing new in 1892, this one in particular stood out for involving not only female duelists, but also everyone present. This type of female one-on-one confrontation is now known as "emancipated dueling", marked by women's decision to fight topless for genuine reasons rather than being displayed to entertain men.