Handmade in Argentina for a stationary store in Rio?

[Pale.Ink.Tom]

Hello Pen friends, I would love to find out more about my treasured vintage leather deskpad.  

Can anyone recognise this? My only clue is the name "Uniao"

[almoore]

Hi

I imagine you have already done this but a quick Wikipedia search threw up some information about the word Uniao that might help https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/União

 

I'm intrigued to know more it's a very nice piece of kit.

 

Al

[mizgeorge]

No help at all, but what a beautiful thing to have.

[Pale.Ink.Tom]

Thank you for your compliments almoore and mizgeorge. I am very fortunate to have this piece of Deskware(?) Not long into Covid lockdown a rare collection appeared on a local auction site. It was sold down a few items at a time over a period of 2 months. I was at full alert because I sensed I would never see items of this interest and quality again in my lifetime! Particularly in New Zealand.

Having just retired I gathered a few modest savings and bid extravagantly on half a dozen pieces! This strategy didn't fool anyone!😄 and I had to fight very hard for just two significant items and this was one of them! 

 

I have found a little more info. "Uniao, Papelaria' is/was part of the stationary industry in Brazil. I found a tiny, shield motif sticker on the back of the leather which matched an image of an office 'safe' or 'security lock-box'.

There are retail outlets also. One address is: 986 Avenida, Itaoca, Rio de Janeiro. Brazil.

Stamped into the underside of the leather is, "INDUSTRIA ARGENTINA"

The dimensions are approximate. 19"x16"x1" (480x400x30mm)

It is most likely to be cattle leather although I can detect patterns in the pores that may indicate pigskin but I think not.

I have no clue as to age or design characteristics but find myself opening it up now and then searching for another vital clue to its origin.

I love a good mystery!

 

It's been a pleasure sharing with you both.

Cheers, Gary