This is the forerunner of you smart phone. Don't believe it? Circa 1830-70 French 'aide d' memoire' (memory aid) with stylus (tip mount missing) and the old original interior notebook. It would have come with an annual calendar, a small intaglio printed one with pictures, too, which would fold inside. Another from this same collection still has its calendar for the year 1854 (sold separately). Perhaps a gift at a ball, carnet du bal in that case, and into which a young woman would list her dance partners for the evening. Events and addresses, notes to one's self. A lot like the "daytimer" we used in the 1970-90s ahead of computers. Yes, in only 170 or so years, the organizational 'keeping of oneself' evolved from this simplicity to the most complicated computers ever. But I digress. This little beauty is in royal to navy blue silk velvet, in very nice condition I might add. The inside is red moire silk-lined, to include covers on the notebook. A delicate white ribbon also attends and is original. The stylus, lathe-carved, must have had a small fitting at its tip, but that is no longer there. Perhaps a holder for lead, or a tip, screw-mounted. The cartouche is a splendid tiny painting under convex glass. Considering it's only 2" long, you can see how intricately and beautifully it is accomplished by an unknown artist. I can blow it up to fill your screen and it is still a beautiful pastoral somewhere in the French countryside. Such art - these miniatures! And a landscape at that.
Very good to excellent condition for age and type. Really, considering age, silk, velvet, glass, it is quite remarkable. One kept but not used. There are a few words on the inside front page, but I don't think they are original to this, perhaps someone from the 9 or so generations since its first owner. The velvet has lost none of its nap, which is quite unique. No chips nor cracks to the convex glass and the painting is, as noted, splendid. Measurements noted on the photos.
