Rare c.1820s Antique French Palais Royal Aide d'Memoire, Carnet du Bal, Mother of Pearl & 18k Medallion
This is my largest one of my collection. Would have had an old original intaglio print calendar inside, dated 1820s, and a note pad of fine paper folded in center. This one no longer has the calendar and note pad. Simple to make a replacement notepad, and this one has a wide spine so you could even make one up to 1/4" in depth to use it as a notepad, or for display. A coveted old beauty in fine mother of pearl, brilliant color pearlescent shimmer and elegant incised engraved design and "Souvenir". The small 18k gold medallion with kiln-fired enamel flower bouquet has a butterfly, as well, and is signature for the finest quality Palais Royal goods from the boutiques of the old Cardinal Richelieu Palace. The original stylus is there to operate as clasp, holding the palm-sized dance card and note card closed. Note the monogram-engraved wax seal or cachet, sceau on the tip at the end stylus. Framework for the carnet bal is ormolu, not 18k gold and includes elaborate floral baskets at ea