One can easily imagine this elegant cordovan leather large desktop folder on desk at any of the finest Belle Epoch Hotels in Paris to London, stationery within. It seems little used and very nicely preserved with the Italian oil paper interior and the elegant Art Nouveau embossed gold exterior. Some age at the corners of the fold, but for an antique blotter or folio, in exceptionally nice form. Good sized, as well. Perhaps once filled with a gentleman's "etchings" to which he'd refer as he'd invite a lady to his room - you can see the movie in your head, can't you. The depth of the leather spine, about 1/2", tells me it likely held a blotter pad within and stationery. The outer surface likely a writing surface, a modification from the old type built into lap desks. Photos show it from all angles, and measurements are noted on the photos.
Very good to excellent condition for age and type. Found ages ago in France, the cordovan leather and paper interior have a fine Italian feel to it, yet the Art Nouveau corner decorative aspects certainly feel French. Note a little foxing, deterioration to the leather at the outer edges of the fold/spine. Otherwise, only smallish surface evidences of age and use. Displays very well - we've shown inkwells and writing sets atop this one through the years. GREAT prop!
