When the Austrian General Raddik descended on Berlin in 1757 he is said to have demanded not only a large sum of money, but also, two dozen gloves for Maria Theresa (1717-1780).
However, when the gift arrived in Vienna, it was discovered that the Berliners had taken their revenge by providing only left-handed gloves. This, according to legend, was the origin of the custom of Austrian Officers carrying their right-hand gloves in their left hands so as not to put themselves above their sovereign.
