A sample book containing approximately 1300 fabric samples.
French.
Dated 1849 to 1868. from the mid 1800’s. This period was known as Second Empire or Napoleon 3rd. Strictly speaking 1852 to 1870.
The samples in the book are either silk or wool. A label in the front of the book described it as containing numerous Scottish plaids and checks, plain stripes and bayadères, some silks with flowers and some taffetas. Tartans and plaids predominate however.
A small number of samples in the book measure 3 cms square. Most are about 5 cms square to 15 cms square.
The pages measure to 48 x 38 cms.
There are 120 pages.
There are a few annotations and dates on the pages. Some of these notes date the samples as ranging from 1849 (slightly prior to the period given above) to 1869.
Condition: Very Good. The book holds together well. The paper upon which the fabrics are pasted has darkened and has, in places, discoloured. This because pattern has transferred onto the paper from the opposite page. This discolouration does not affect the samples themselves. The glue used to paste fabrics down sometimes shows through the samples. It has been my experience however, having removed samples from similar books myself, that the glue washes out easily, leaving the fabric clean. The flaws mentioned should be evident in the photographs above. Please look carefully at the photos and please ask if you wish to see more photographs or close ups.
A few samples are missing from the pages. The pages are however in the main complete .
A very good source book.
The book is very heavy. Hence the rather hefty postage.
