Document holder - Bank of France

Bellows-style wallet (or cashier’s boy’s bag) in black leather from the Banque de France, dating from the late 19th century to the early 20th century (Third Republic, 1880–1910).

Rigid black leather with a gold embossed inscription “BANQUE DE FRANCE.”

Ornate brass lock or clip, signed by the prestigious Parisian house L. Villousier.

Interior with bellows compartments in fabric, allowing storage and organization of banknotes, receipts, or accounting documents.

These briefcases or billfolds were used by Banque de France employees and cashiers during rounds and for secure transport of funds.

The cashiers of the Banque de France went through towns on foot or by car to present drafts to merchants and collect money. For security reasons, these wallets were often attached to a steel security chain (fob chain) fastened directly to the wearer’s belt or wrist to prevent snatch theft.

Third Republic (circa 1880–1910).

15 x 31 cm