This is a rare little souvenir aide memoire book (carnet de bal. It was probably purchased by someone completing a Grand Tour in the 19th century.
It is a sweet little miniature note book and it dates to the year 1847. It is certainly a rare survivor and in excellent condition.
The cover of the book is made of metal and the front cover is decorated with a very fine miniature watercolour study of the neo-classical church, The Madeleine in Paris. All the intricate details in the painting are just lovely - it is in very fine condition and is covered with its original glass to protect it.
The rest of the notebook case is made of metal, probably old steel - which is decorated with inlays of blackwork and old gold enamel. The back of the cover has a highly decorative design of scrolls, fasces, birds, and arabesques. The word "Souvenir" is contained in a cartouche. The design is in good condition - but there has been a little loss to the black enamel on the back cover which is commensurate with its age.
The spine is made of a red cotton material - all intact with no splits. When you open up the book (by pulling out a little pencil contained in hoops forming a closing device) - there is a little pocket at the front to keep little tickets or coins. The interior is made of red moire silk, as photographed. This is nice and clean with no stains or tears. Then you have loose leaves with the days of the week in French - where you would write reminders of things to do or places that you might have visited. There is a little printed image - saying Souvenir. You also have a little double-sided calendar for the year 1847 - again as photographed. There are a couple of blank sheets at the back for jotting down notes. Each sheet is edged with gold gilt - all signs of the quality of this wee item. There are no scribbles or writing on any of the sheets.
The little pencil for writing notes in the book is original to it. It would need a little sharpening for it to write - but am leaving it as is.
Such a delightful and highly collectable little Grand Tour memo book. It measures 8.5 x 5.5 cm. The little watercolour measures: 5.8 x 2.5 cm. Please check all my images so you can see all the fine details of this little aide memoire book.
It will be sent to you in the UK with Royal Mail Next Day Special Delivery - this will be capped at £4.95 and applied to your order at the checkout.