Papeterie. Lettres Ornées [Victorian Embossed, Gilt Decorated, and Color Printed Paper Stationery Case retaining Original Embossed Stationery].

C.1870s–1880s Decorative French women’s writing kit with embossed, die-cut letter sheets, envelopes, seals etc.

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French embossed, chromolithographic Victorian-era women’s writing kit, retaining some of its original letter sheets, envelopes, seals, etc.—everything needed in the way of paper to write a note or letter in style.

The gilt-decorated stationery case or envelope folder is entitled on its face Papeterie, French for a container for paper and writing materials. Beneath the flap on the verso of the folder are the French words for ornamented letters: Lettres Ornées—itself a play on the French for gilt-decorated letters.

This de luxe women’s writing outfit is all show on the outside with its “candy-box” decoration. The stationery within, though plainer, retains the nicety of embossed, die-cut edges and the envelopes shine via metallic printed edge decorations (in one instance) and fancy embossed borders. Colorful or die-cut seals tie it all together. As a bonus there is even a fancy book mark. Accompanying the kit are four multi-colored German-language letter sheets, likely added by the previous owner.

A wonderful example of a Victorian women’s writing outfit retaining most of its original stationery.

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