Antique (Circa 1900s) Aide-Mémoire/Carnet de Bal for Chatelaine, from Belgium

This circa 1900s aide-mémoire/carnet de bal has ornate embellishments (lily-of-the-valley and other floral motifs and scrollwork/Art Nouveau in style) on the front and reverse covers.

The pad, which has missing pages, and metal mechanical pencil appear original to the item. Once the pencil is removed, the carnet springs open. The mechanism is intact and is in excellent working order. The pencil still has lead in it and is operated by twisting the end.

The bale would be used to attach this small notebook to a chatelaine or a chain a woman might wear to keep track of things such as grocery lists, expenses, and even as a carnet de bal to keep track of dances promised to men.

The metal is unknown, and there are no maker's marks or hallmarks. Dimensions are 2" x 1 5/16" measured from the top of the notebook (not including the bale) to the lowest portion of the cover's bottom edge and from the side, including the pencil holder. From Belgium but may have French origins.

*****Condition: Please note there is a marked patina and wear to the metal, especially on the reverse at the lower right corner where verdigris is evident. Please see the third photo. Also, there is a slight bend to the front cover at the lower right edge. Please see the fourth photo. Finally, the mechanical pencil has wear to the metal in the form of scratches and some discoloration. Please examine all photos carefully and do let me know if you would like more as I'll be happy to oblige.

Thank you for looking.