Quite fabulously preserved, this is a mid-1800s French business folio, documents folder accordion-baffled and with dividing sections for each month plus a leather flap behind which one can anchor the monthly sections as a year passes. An accountant's tool, or businessman's 'wallet' folio, it is 11 5/8" long, 6" tall, lying flat, 1" in depth but will expand to a full 5.5" as receipts are added through the year. A working lock with 2 depth settings not only remains but also retains its key. We have sold a number of these over the decades, several of which have turned up in period movies and tv series. It's always fun to see our antiques "in action". Great for desk display, of course. Full measurements noted on the photos. Found in France.
Very good to excellent condition for age and type, as you can see from the many photos. Gold-embossed split leather perhaps reinforced with card for the fold area, which shows through in one photo exposing a bit of leather lift and card tatter at the fold to the left of top flap as you're looking at the photos. The accordion folds/pleated sides remain remarkably complete. Working lock with key - rare! Shows little of its advanced age, the leather aging beautifully. Brown exterior, green interior. Quite beautiful, actually!
