An important leather document holder made for French Commander Victor Maurice de Riquet de Caraman-Chimay, Turkey, inscribed and dated 'Mr le Comte de Caraman, Constantinople 1781'

the red leather case of concertina form with green silk lining on interior, silk and metal-thread embroidery throughout, the reverse featuring the heraldic family crest of the Caraman-Chimay family, front with gilt brass lock and key, includes original fine leather protective case

In overal very good condition and preservation, includes a thin leather case in which it would have originally been kept with some tears and wear as consistent with age and use, 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."

This superb document holder, in almost pristine condition, belongs to a small group of leather cases that were produced in Constantinople in the first half of the eighteenth-century and presented to ambassadors as souvenirs. This particular example was made for the Count Victor Maurice de Riquet de Caraman-Chimay, French Commander of the King, and is inscribed ‘Constantinople 1781’. It is further adorned by the heraldic emblem of the illustrious Caraman-Chimay family on the reverse, and still features the fine original leather case that would have protected it.

Victor Maurice de Riquet de Caraman-Chimay (Paris, 16 June 1727 - 24 January 1807), was a descendant of Pierre-Paul Riquet, the designer of the Canal du Midi. As well as being remembered for his military career, which commenced at the age of thirteen, and his political exploits, he was a passionate landscape designer. Queen Marie-Antoinette, who was a friend, called on him when creating her hamlet in the gardens of Versailles. It would have been considered extremely elegant to own such a document holder, and examples such as this one would have been preciously preserved rather than used.  

A collection of similar document holders also produced in eighteenth-century Constantinople are now in the Rijksmuseum, Amsterdam (Sultans, Merchants, Painters – The Early Years of Turkish-Dutch Relations, Pera Museum Publications 54, Istanbul, 2012, pp.162-3). A similar leather attaché case, inscribed and dated 'Constantinople 1797’ was sold in these rooms 6 April 2011, lot 414.