French Jeweled Carnet du Bal, Aide de Mémoire, c. 1848, Purse
Enamel & Gem-Set Cartouche, Vermeil, Complete with Notebook & Calendar
96 grams
A beautiful and unusually elaborate French carnet du bal or aide de mémoire, dating to approximately 1848 — the year printed within the charming engraved calendar booklet it still retains.The rectangular case is richly engine-turned in a woven pattern and framed with a fine geometric border. Both front and back are mounted with a superb dimensional cartouche of scrolling acanthus leaves, partially silvered and delicately enamel-painted in green with subtle accents. The repoussé mount is set with vivid red cabochons and turquoise-colored stones surrounding a larger central red stone, creating a striking jewel-like effect on both sides.
The body looks and feels like silver gilt (vermeil) and weighs 96 grams. No hallmark has been located, though the quality, weight, and workmanship are entirely consistent with fine mid-19th century French silver.The hinged case opens to reveal its original silk-lined interior, fitted with:
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A printed 1848 calendar booklet
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An engraved intaglio frontispiece
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Blank pages for recording dance partners or social notes
The engraving and typography are beautifully executed, and the survival of these ephemeral paper elements adds significantly to its desirability. Measures approximately 3.5” x 2.5” x ½” (¾” to top of jeweled mount).
Condition is very good for age, with gentle wear to gilding, light surface patina, and minor age-related wear to the paper, as expected. The garnet and Persian turquoise cabochon jeweled cartouches remain intact and vibrant, and the hinge and clasp function properly. An elegant and evocative relic of mid-19th century French society — a personal object once carried to soirées and balls, when each dance was noted with anticipation and memory preserved in ink.
