RARE Exceptional 18th Century Carnet du Bal, Necessaire, 18k Gold and Mother of Pearl Etui

Think Louis XVI and Marie-Antoinette, it’s their era or shortly before, c.1750. In exceptionally fine condition, the little palm etui has been tucked away or in a museum collection for some 280 years to survive this well. Even the original stylus remains, though it seems possible a pencil fills it now rather than a silver stylus. Likely the token of a grand event or ball, it would have had a 1-3 thin ‘page’ note pad there in that compartment which is open, and would have been the souvenir memento given to each woman, for the express purpose of noting each dance of the evening and filling in the name of the gentleman to whom she’d promised each dance. Called a “carnet du bal”, highly collectible and in all my decades of buying, this is the most perfect I’ve found. Look at each side, the fabric and gem artwork on silk ribbon, kept perfectly under its slightly convex cover glass. A different cartouche on each side, one torches and heart, one with swans and heart. Definitely symbolic of love. Trimmed in sterling silver and 18k gold ‘vermeil, as well as 18k gold for the lettering and applied gold foil stripes. Full measurements noted on the photos.

Excellent condition for age and type, not a missing or damaged panel of pearl, no losses to the exterior of the case. Stylus intact – the only piece missing is the insert writer’s notepad. It would have been a slender slab of ivory upon which names could be noted. One wonders what grand event or Royal ball it was made, and in whose hand it was held, so long ago. Found in France.