Found in France, a mid to late 1800s lockable brief or paper folio. Sized to hold important documents, or stationery and envelopes. Perhaps a traveler's diary and blotter. The inside lining is a white surface very suitable to use as a writing surface. Based on the width of the spine, it would have been able to hold 1/2" of documents. Likely for personal rather than scribe's or legal use, an accessory for one's bedroom, or travel. Full measurements note on the photos. It has a lockable clasp but we have never had a key for it. Make it your own!
Very good condition for age and type. Seems like split leather over card, and the elegant gold embossment and decorative style put it squarely to mid-1800s. This one has use and age, as you can see, yet makes a superb prop, or decorative desktop folio alongside your inkwell collection. We've used it as a prop in photos of antique ink wells over the decades. The old written letters shown are not included - just for show, ambiance. Found in France, I am uncertain where it was created.
