tortoiseshell

When closed, a collector of card cases would be forgiven for passing by this tortoiseshell box without a second glance. It is only when opened that its use purpose as an aide memoire and visiting card case becomes apparent  - roll over the image to view its interior.

 

It is not unusual to find aide memoire containing both ivory tablets and pockets for visiting cards, nor visiting card cases with concertina pockets in the interior. What makes this case rare - and perhaps unique - is its unusual size. Visiting card cases were designed to carry no more than about 6 cards; this case contains pockets for around 24.
 

gallery 2009