n.p.: n.p., n.d. (ca 19th century). Approximately 2 1/2 x 3 3/4". Rare tortoise shell binding with ornate silver filigree decoration, embellished silver clasps, silk moire endpapers, laid in stiff cardboard folded weekly calendar with the days of the week in French, also laid in is a small booklet with titled "Souvenir" along with a beautiful illustration of a couple, pocket created by using the back endpaper, what looks to be the original pencil included, all in near fine condition.

The binding in this book is both rare and very attractive. Despite the name of tortoiseshell, most of these bindings were made from exotic marine turtles whose value came from its shine, eyecatching beauty, and rarity. Most bindings in the 18th century were made from leather and vellum, thus the rarity of the tortoiseshell bindings. Bindings other than vellum and leather were considered richer and more expensive. Tortoise shells were not imported in large quantities so the material remained expensive and only available for the wealthy. Tortoiseshell bindings for books was mainly used for small Bibles, religious texts, prayer books and gift books and became popular in the 17th and 18th century.