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*Reserved* British Christmas 1946 Presentation Folder, Morocco Leather, Illuminated Interior

*Reserved* British Christmas 1946 Presentation Folder, Morocco Leather, Illuminated Interior

$575.00 CAD
$575.00 CAD
Sale Sold out
Duties included.
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About This Piece

Dated to Christmas 1946, this is one of the most visually arresting objects I brought back from England. It is a hinged presentation folder, bound in two-toned fine-grain Morocco leather - a very dark navy-black outer with a crimson red onlay panel on the front bearing a gilt acanthus spray device, all bordered with multi-rule gold tooling and a gilt acanthus-wave roll. The four brass corner ornaments are original. Inside, the right panel holds a hand-finished chromolithographic illuminated sheet dated "Xmas 1946" with Commonwealth flags, a Holy Bible crowned by a royal crown in a central medallion, and a densely worked acanthus border in teal, pink, gold, and lavender. The left panel is lined in cream watered silk moiré with a small applied floral vignette. This format - a fine leather presentation folder enclosing an illuminated sheet with a blank center panel - was commissioned in small numbers by senior British institutions, military organizations, and civic bodies to present to members or honorees at Christmas. The 1946 date makes this the first peacetime Christmas after six years of war, and the patriotic Commonwealth symbolism reflects exactly that moment.

Details
Type
Presentation folder
Material
Fine-grain Morocco leather, two-toned (dark navy-black and crimson); gilt tooling; brass corner ornaments; cream watered silk moiré interior; chromolithographic and hand-finished illuminated sheet on paper
Origin
England
Age
1946, dated
Style
British institutional fine binding, late Victorian decorative tradition continuing into mid-20th century
Binding detail
Multi-rule gilt lines, gilt acanthus-wave roll border, four brass quatrefoil corner ornaments, red Morocco onlay panel with gilt acanthus spray device to front
Interior right
Chromolithographic illuminated sheet with hand-applied gouache finishing; Union Jack and Commonwealth ensign; Holy Bible under royal crown medallion; dense acanthus scroll border; banner reading "Xmas 1946"; blank center panel 8 in H x 6 in W
Interior left
Cream watered silk moiré panel with small applied chromolithographic floral vignette
Size
13.5 in H x 11.5 in W closed
Condition

The folder is in good vintage condition for its age and shows honest use across eighty years. The leather is structurally sound on both covers with good suppleness. The gilt tooling is largely intact and legible across the covers and spine. The four brass corner ornaments are present and secure. Corner wear is present at all four corners, with the two lower corners showing the most scuffing and some cracking and peeling of the outer leather layer at the points. The gilt acanthus-wave roll border shows some rubbing and minor losses consistent with handling. The spine hinge is intact and the folder opens and closes freely. The interior illuminated sheet is in very good condition: colors remain vivid, the chromolithographic printing and hand-applied gouache are intact without flaking, and the paper is clean with only minor surface scuffing in the wide cream center panel. The silk moiré interior panel is intact with the applied floral vignette in place. The silk shows light overall toning consistent with age but no tears or losses visible.

Shipping & Returns

All antique and vintage items are shipped from our warehouse in Bluffdale, Utah. Each piece is carefully packed by hand using archival materials and custom crating when necessary.

Shipping costs are calculated at checkout based on the size and weight of the item. Local pickup is available at the AMD Warehouse.

All sales of antique and vintage items are final due to their unique, one-of-a-kind nature. Illuminé candles and The Collector's Guide may be returned within 14 days of delivery if unopened and in original condition.

If your piece arrives damaged, please photograph the damage immediately (including packaging), contact us within 48 hours at austynmariedesign@gmail.com, and do not discard any packaging.

Read the full return and shipping policy

Important Info About Antique & Vintage

Every antique and vintage item we carry has lived a life before arriving in your home. These are not factory-made products. They are objects with history, character, and the marks of time.

Age-appropriate wear, patina, minor imperfections, and signs of previous use or repair are inherent to antique and vintage items and are not considered defects. These characteristics are part of what makes each piece unique and are often what give it its beauty and value.

We describe the condition of each piece as accurately as possible in the listing. If you have specific questions about a piece before purchasing, please reach out. We are always happy to provide additional photos or details.

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