Card holder

Rare Bordeaux Velvet and Silk Honor Notebook entirely embroidered in Gold – Dated 1868
Description: Refined pocket-sized document case from the Risorgimento era, precisely dated June 21, 1868.
The item is internally pristine (never written on or used in the pages).
Dimensions: 14 x 9 cm (pocket size).
Exterior: Rigid box-like structure entirely covered in fine Bordeaux velvet (the true color is dark burgundy, though in photos it may appear almost black due to light). The object stands out for its rich and elaborate decoration that covers all exterior sides (front panel, back panel, and rigid spine). The embroidery is entirely hand-made with gold metallic threads (goldwork technique), floral silk appliqués in pink and burgundy tones, small turquoise beads, and a central pearl on the main panel.
Interior: Lined in pure ivory/cream silk, featuring flexible accordion-style compartments for letters or documents, vintage zippers, and four fabric loops for securing a notepad or a closing pencil.
Dedication: Inside, the gold-thread embroidery bears the inscription "Ricordo" on the front panel and the formal dedication "21 Giugno 1868 a B. C.re Luigi" on the back panel.
Provenance: Area of Cuneo (Piedmont, Italy).
Condition: Original item with natural signs of time. Wear and abrasion from rubbing on the Bordeaux velvet along the rigid spine and the outer edges are noted, due to age and use in period. Inner silk well preserved and free of ink stains. An exceptional piece for collectors of 19th-century cartotechnical paperware and textile antiquities.