Superb Antique Tortoise Shell French Aide d'Memoire with Stylus, Pencil, 18k Gold Pique, Cartouche
From my old collections, this is one of my favorites of the French aide d'memoire, necessaire, card cases. Dating Mid-Victorian, Napoleon III era (c.1850-70s) it might have been first purchased as a souvenir of someone's Grand Tour. Surviving in exceptionally good condition for age, the rich royal purple silk moire interior is still intact and complete with notepad, and the original retracting stylus or pencil still remains as the clasp anchor. I did not test the cartouche, but one this fine is likely 18k gold. It has never tarnished at all, remains brilliantly gold. A curved tortoise shell spine on this one, also. Rich cognac to chocolate coloration to the tortoise shell. Very good to excellent for age and type, the only flaws notable would be a bug bite on the spine, and the silk frayed and gone from the closure loops. Notebook in place with its gilded edges. Tiniest corner nip, visible on our photos. Measurements noted on photos. IMPORTANT NOTE regarding antique tortoise shell or