The forerunner of what has evolved to be our smart phones these 200 years later, think back to your daytimer or bound calendars - this little case or cover was that memory aid 200 years ago. Silk-lined with a pocket for stamps or calling cards, and the silk ribbon and bow you see inside this one would have anchored a little silk-covered note pad and printed annual calendar. Silk loops set so the pencil actually forms the closure for the purse or vest pocket carnet bal or card case, always at the ready to note one's dance partners (carnet du bal) or events of the week (aide d'memoire) or to present ones calling cards upon visiting friends (calling card case). Necessaire. Full measurements noted on the photos.
Very good to excellent condition for age and type. Silk interior is remarkably fine for age, shows very little tattering. pleated pouch side ready for business cards. The ivory cover panels each in fine shape, the deep carved monogram and corners without chips or loss. The spine is fine kid leather, embossed. NOTE: The ivory note holder is what you're buying here, and it's shown on colorful silk embroidery panels which are not included, but show it nicely.
IMPORTANT NOTE regarding antique tortoise shell or ivory: We are great supporters of protection for endangered species in our modern world. We never buy or sell anything 100 years or newer; we donate to anti-poaching organizations; we don't hunt; we conserve in ways that impact global warming (we're totally solar at home), knowing those measures also protect the animals in the wild today. We also recognize the vast cultural history we preserve with our care and reverence for these antique objects, and agree with CITES that objects over 100 years of age have nothing whatsoever to do with species depletion in our current world.
Our offering exceeds the age limitation of "more than 100 years of age", and is well within the exemption for CITES regulation. If imported, met the CITES regulation. This item will be handled and shipped from our Utah business, and is not available for shipment internationally, nor within the USA to California, NY, Nevada, Hawaii, New Jersey, Oregon, Washington if it contains ivory, sorry. Please see our small print for more details.
