My heart starting beating fast when I found this, tucked in a corner of a case at a shop in New Hampshire. Nothing I love more than an alphabet, and what an amazing survivor this one. The first thing it reminded me of was a c. 1840 papered box I bought and sold recently, included in photos just for point of reference. This looks entirely hand-drawn and hand-painted to me, black ink and watercolor though I can't swear there weren't any stamps or stencils involved, and my guess would indeed be 1840s or so. Such beautiful letters, and the most radiant color, and then soft pink on reverse. And I love how the Y and Z frame the numbers at the bottom. Don't think I'll ever see another like this.
7 1/4" t x 12 1/4" measured across corner to corner when open. 3/4" wide edge. Very good antique condition general wear especially along the pleat lines but no notable tears and color is glorious.
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