An embroidered leather wallet, Turkey, inscribed 'Joseph Dimsdale Black Fryers', 'John Turner' and dated '1699'

of rectangular form with a fold-over cover, a cloth and leather lining with embossed designs, the exterior decorated with silver and gold thread in a pattern containing leafy flowers and palmettes, impressed and heightened with gilt 'Joseph Dimsdale Black Fryers' and embroidered in metal thread 'John Turner' and '1699'

In general good condition, some rubbing and ware consistent with age, minor staining on leather, 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."

The sixteenth century Hapsburg ambassador to the Ottoman court, Rogier de Busbecq, provides one of the earliest references to the Ottoman practice of submitting diplomatic messages in ornately embroidered letter cases (Teske 2011). These stitched pouches, in various forms, were used for a variety of other objects including keys, coins, tobacco and pocket watches, usually suspended from a belt. Many of these cases were made of leather, the production of which had been encouraged by the founding of three hundred tanneries around Istanbul following a directive from Mehmed the Conqueror, who also established an area for the production of leather goods, Sarachane. Here, the luxury items, both personal adornment, such as purses and shoes, and military equipment such as bow cases and quivers, were made for the prominent patrons of the age. In the seventeenth century, these splendid wares began to attract the attention of Europeans living and visiting Istanbul though there was already an export trade for such things by this time. A Turkish contact from his role in the Admiralty must have been the source of the letter case given to Samuel Pepys, embroidered with his name and 'Constantinople 1687' (ibid., p.61, fig.3). This is of a similar form and decoration to this lot. In the eighteenth century, the fashion for Turquerie raised the demand for these beautiful objects to even greater heights.