Antique French Necesaire, Aide d'Memoire in Faux Tortoise Shell with Pique, Fine Tortoiseshell
A beauty, and of fine quality in its time, this lovely old notebook, 'necessaire' (because it held all that was necessary in its time), was a mainstay for all, and we find them in a variety of forms and materials, but the shell ones and ivory ones are always favorites. This one has had some use, and the interior is original but shows wear and age, a bit at least. The steam-formed spine is shell, which is not always the case and does denote fine quality, as noted. The beautiful silver and gold ilays with silver cartouche that awaits your own monogram is in excellent condition, no lifts or losses. The shell panels are excellent, and it is only the slight tattering of the blue silk moire lining that keeps this one from being excellent. Well worthy of your attention, and with the original notepad still inside, certainly worth a little TLC or restoration of the 3 silk loops into which you might insert your own stylus (acts as a clasp when in place, as you can see). There is not a stylus