Antique French Tortoise Shell Aide Memoire, Carnet Bal, Necessaire, Notebook, Sterling Silver Mount
We have 2 others of these, slightly smaller (shown with this one in one of our final photos, but fitted in 15-16k gold, each selling separately. This one is fitted in sterling silver, has a hinged clasp with the monogram of the original owner. They're made with a steam- rolled edge into which a stylus would have originally been fitted. The stylus is no longer in its mount, but these can often be found in a variety of decorative finishes from 18k gold with jewel at top to a plain pencil of less than 2mm diameter. The writing is as charming as is the necessaire, but we'll leave the secrets of it for the next owner to enjoy in private. A 'necessaire' is actually the forerunner of today's i-calendar feature of the iPhone or iPad, as it was used to note engagements, schedules, notes of a diary or names/addresses of those one might meet. Considered a required item of refined living, these survive in many forms. None more lovely than the old shell ones, however. That these are trimmed in fin