Victorian-Era Aide Memoire. Ivory.

[Shangas]

I never thought I'd own one of these, but wonders never cease. It's smaller than a credit-card, but it's still lovely. And I doubt I could afford a larger one in similar condition, anyway.

 

And just because I can, here's my Mappin & Webb ivory & sterling silver pen & pencil set...

[inkypete]

Beautiful - congratulations.

[Intellidepth]

Amazing. Is each 'sheet' ivory too? What did they used to write on it with and erase with? (Pianist here)

[Shangas]

Hello.

 

Yes, it's all ivory. Every single piece. You wrote quick notes and reminders on it in pencil. Traditionally you used just a moist cloth to rub it off later (or spit and tissue or something similar).

I'm a pianist as well. If you're thinking about cleaning ivory piano-keys, then I'd start gentle with a damp cloth and a bit of elbow grease. If that doesn't work, then you CAN try a VERY VERY VERY light coating of Brasso. That also works.

[graystranger]

This is really nice, a very practical historical item. Classically elegant. Thanks for sharing.

 

Some 40 years ago when I got into scuba diving I wanted something to write on underwater with my dive buddy. I got a piece of plastic like this (but only one sheet) and clipped it by lanyard to my gear. I first used a china marker to write messages but the paper over-wrap would get soft and peel away. Then I just used a wooden pencil which worked fine. I just rubbed the pencil lead off underwater to clear it.

 

My wife has seen these on eBay made out of cellulose. That would be cheaper than ivory, but not as classic and elegant.

 

The ivory and silver pen is a dip pen with a cap, I assume. Or, does the nib retract from the grip?

[Shangas]

Later on, these were manufactured out of celluloid, yes. But the really old ones are made of ivory.

 

The dip pen and pencil set are silver and ivory. The pen-holder is just a pen-holder. No cap, no retractable ability. Rather simple.

 

Here's a better photo of the leaves spread out:

[John54green]

Do you ever use mineral oil on your ivory? I've been told that keeps it from becoming brittle.

[Shangas]

No I haven't.

[AAAndrew]

Very cool. Thanks so much for sharing!

[Shangas]

Thanks, Andrew

[Ceilidh]

Wow!!!

[inkstainedruth]

How big is the memoire? You've got a ruler for the photo of the pen and pencil, but not the memoire itself.

Ruth Morrisson aka inkstainedruth

[Shangas]

It's very small. About an inch and a half wide, and about two inches long.