Antique Victorian Era Tortoise Shell Necessaire, Aide Memoire, Diary, Carnet Bal, 16k Gold Clasp w/Monogram
We have 2 of these, each selling separately. They originally belonged to twin sisters in England, and retain the notations written by each. You will want to own them both. They are charming as can be. Each has a 15k or 16k gold 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,