Perpetual calendar - Elegant French Vintage Perpetual Desk Calendar with Pen Holder – Art Deco / Mid-Century – Circa - France
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French mid‑century modern perpetual desk calendar, made of Bakelite‑type resin and metal, circa the 1940s–1950s, in excellent condition and measuring about 12 × 7 × 7 cm.
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Description from the seller
A beautiful and highly decorative French perpetual desk calendar, combining timeless elegance, practical functionality and the refined geometric styling of the late Art Deco and early Mid-Century period.
This charming desk accessory features a substantial rectangular base made from beautifully translucent, amber-brown Bakelite-type resin, displaying attractive colour variations and a warm, almost luminous appearance depending on the light.
Mounted on the base is an elegant inclined metal calendar with a satin-gold finish, finely ribbed side panels and decorative borders. A delicate eight-pointed star motif embellishes the centre of the calendar.
The calendar displays the date, month and day of the week in French, adjusted manually through four small side-mounted rotating wheels.
Alongside the calendar stands an elegant original pen holder with a slender, ivory-coloured, sculptural form, mounted on a small brass-tone fitting.
The combination of warm amber tones, golden metal and ivory-coloured details gives the piece a particularly sophisticated appearance.
Historical and Design Interest
Perpetual desk calendars became popular accessories in European offices during the first half of the 20th century, combining everyday usefulness with decorative design.
French examples from the Art Deco and post-war periods are particularly appreciated for their geometric forms, contrasting materials and elegant metallic finishes.
Unlike ordinary disposable calendars, these mechanical perpetual calendars were designed to remain in use year after year.
Condition
Excellent vintage condition, with beautiful and authentic original patina consistent with age.
Entirely intact, with no visible breaks or missing components.
Calendar mechanism perfectly functional.
All four adjustment wheels present and operational.
Original decorative finishes beautifully preserved.
Attractive natural ageing and minor signs of use.
Original protective green felt underneath the base.
The object has retained its authentic vintage character and has not been subjected to aggressive restoration.
Dimensions
15 × 7 × 7 cm approximately.
Origin: France
Period: Circa 1940s–1950s (attributed)
Materials: Bakelite-type resin, metal with brass-tone finish and ivory-coloured pen holder
Style: Late Art Deco / Early Mid-Century
Function: Perpetual desk calendar with integrated pen holder
A delightful collector's item and a sophisticated decorative accessory for a vintage writing desk, executive office, library or carefully curated Art Deco interior.
An attractive combination of French design, functionality and authentic vintage charm.
The photographs form an integral part of the description and accurately illustrate the item's condition.
Seller's Story
Archivio51 is a business specializing in the research, selection and sale of vintage, design and collectible objects, chosen for their authenticity, aesthetic quality, history and character.
The selection mainly includes interior complements and decorative objects, vintage lighting, globes and maps, perpetual desk calendars, pharmacy and apothecary items, display mannequins and busts, walking sticks, objects in bronze, brass, marble, onyx and wood, industrial and workshop items, signs, decorative containers and other small collectible items.
Each piece is individually researched and selected, with particular attention to its period, provenance, materials, craftsmanship, original patina and condition. When possible, the object is also studied and contextualized to reconstruct its history, era and function.
Archivio51 operates primarily through online sales platforms, addressing collectors, vintage and design enthusiasts, interior designers and international clients seeking original and uncommon objects.
The goal is not merely to sell used objects, but to bring pieces with a story back to light and give them a new place, preserving their identity, charm and authenticity.
Archivio51 – Selection of uncommon, timeless objects.
Translated by Google TranslateA beautiful and highly decorative French perpetual desk calendar, combining timeless elegance, practical functionality and the refined geometric styling of the late Art Deco and early Mid-Century period.
This charming desk accessory features a substantial rectangular base made from beautifully translucent, amber-brown Bakelite-type resin, displaying attractive colour variations and a warm, almost luminous appearance depending on the light.
Mounted on the base is an elegant inclined metal calendar with a satin-gold finish, finely ribbed side panels and decorative borders. A delicate eight-pointed star motif embellishes the centre of the calendar.
The calendar displays the date, month and day of the week in French, adjusted manually through four small side-mounted rotating wheels.
Alongside the calendar stands an elegant original pen holder with a slender, ivory-coloured, sculptural form, mounted on a small brass-tone fitting.
The combination of warm amber tones, golden metal and ivory-coloured details gives the piece a particularly sophisticated appearance.
Historical and Design Interest
Perpetual desk calendars became popular accessories in European offices during the first half of the 20th century, combining everyday usefulness with decorative design.
French examples from the Art Deco and post-war periods are particularly appreciated for their geometric forms, contrasting materials and elegant metallic finishes.
Unlike ordinary disposable calendars, these mechanical perpetual calendars were designed to remain in use year after year.
Condition
Excellent vintage condition, with beautiful and authentic original patina consistent with age.
Entirely intact, with no visible breaks or missing components.
Calendar mechanism perfectly functional.
All four adjustment wheels present and operational.
Original decorative finishes beautifully preserved.
Attractive natural ageing and minor signs of use.
Original protective green felt underneath the base.
The object has retained its authentic vintage character and has not been subjected to aggressive restoration.
Dimensions
15 × 7 × 7 cm approximately.
Origin: France
Period: Circa 1940s–1950s (attributed)
Materials: Bakelite-type resin, metal with brass-tone finish and ivory-coloured pen holder
Style: Late Art Deco / Early Mid-Century
Function: Perpetual desk calendar with integrated pen holder
A delightful collector's item and a sophisticated decorative accessory for a vintage writing desk, executive office, library or carefully curated Art Deco interior.
An attractive combination of French design, functionality and authentic vintage charm.
The photographs form an integral part of the description and accurately illustrate the item's condition.
Seller's Story
Archivio51 is a business specializing in the research, selection and sale of vintage, design and collectible objects, chosen for their authenticity, aesthetic quality, history and character.
The selection mainly includes interior complements and decorative objects, vintage lighting, globes and maps, perpetual desk calendars, pharmacy and apothecary items, display mannequins and busts, walking sticks, objects in bronze, brass, marble, onyx and wood, industrial and workshop items, signs, decorative containers and other small collectible items.
Each piece is individually researched and selected, with particular attention to its period, provenance, materials, craftsmanship, original patina and condition. When possible, the object is also studied and contextualized to reconstruct its history, era and function.
Archivio51 operates primarily through online sales platforms, addressing collectors, vintage and design enthusiasts, interior designers and international clients seeking original and uncommon objects.
The goal is not merely to sell used objects, but to bring pieces with a story back to light and give them a new place, preserving their identity, charm and authenticity.
Archivio51 – Selection of uncommon, timeless objects.
Translated by Google TranslateDetails
Era
1900-2000
Number of objects
1
Material
Bakelite, Metal
Country of origin
France
Style
Mid-century modern
Manufacturer/brand
Elegant French Vintage Perpetual Desk Calendar with Pen Holder – Art Deco / Mid-Century – Circa
Condition
Excellent condition: barely used with minimal signs of wear
Height
7 cm
Width
12 cm
Depth
7 cm
Estimated period
1940-1950
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