A silver and gold thread embroidered leather wallet, Turkey, dated '1749'

the body of rectangular format with a fold over cover and two internal pockets, designed to the front with metallic threads with stylised floral decoration and inscribed with 'Gerard Adriaan onder de Linden, 1749', and 'Smirne' to reverse

In fair condition, missing metallic threads exposing background, some ware and rubbing to surface, as viewed.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

A similar leather wallet, embroidered with the name: 'Robert St. Leger' and dated '1705' now in the Victoria and Albert Museum (Museum. no. W.13-1967) illustrates the popularity amongst Europeans for such souvenirs coming out of the Ottoman Empire. In the case of the Victoria and Albert Museum wallet, the early date suggests that the owner was probably a merchant rather than tourist. The same is also true for Gerard Adriaan, who presumably hailed from Linden and, to judge from the date and the mention of Smyrna, was involved in business, perhaps for the Department of Levantine Trade, the body that controlled Dutch trade with the Ottoman Empire from 1625.