Fine Antique French Sterling Silver and Ivory Card Case, Aide d'Memoire, Note Pad c,1850-70, Napoleon III
Elegant old panels of ivory inlaid with worked framework and cartouche of finest French sterling silver, and lined with elegant royal blue moire silk, this aide d'memoire would have held calling cards, a little note pad and calendar, and would have kept the schedule of its owner in order. These were often part of a boxed set, though often don't remain in complete original cases with other matching pieces. This one was very fine quality, and has a curved ivory spine. They were a traditional gift, usually with a small coin purse, on the event of a child's communion. This one comes alone, as shown. Measurements are noted on the photos. Very good condition for age and type. The old ivory panels and spine remain flat and without warp, but natural materials usually shrink with great age, and this one is over 170 or so years old, the shrinkage process has not caused any cracks, but it has slightly buckled the inlaid silver - do you see it? Still, a very lovely old case. The moire silk inside