1904 St. Louis World's Fair "In A Nutshell" Walnut Souvenir Book For Sale

Up for sale is a piece of turn-of-the-century history: an original 1904 St. Louis World's Fair (Louisiana Purchase Exposition) Souvenir Book titled: St. Louis Exposition in a NutshellManufactured by the renowned Nutshell Novelty Company of Chicago, this incredibly preserved item consists of a genuine English walnut shell that opens to reveal an accordion-style fanfold paper booklet. Inside are approximately 44 miniature photographic illustrations showcasing the magnificent, temporary neoclassical palaces and pavilions built for the exposition.Condition Details: Ribbons are in good condition and they remain intact. Paper accordions intact, firmly glued to one of the interior shell walls, and folds out/in smoothly without brittle tears, but there is one separation in the accordion folded papers. Images remain crisp, highly legible and beautifully detailed. Shell is solid with zero cracks, chips, or deterioration to the natural walnut structure.Year: 1904Maker: Nutshell Novelty Company of ChicagoDimensions: Approximately 1.5" x 1" (size of a standard walnut)Condition: Vintage original condition. The walnut shell halves are completely intact. The paper interior folds out gently, with one separation in theaccordion folded papers. Images remain crisp and highly legible for their age. No loose hinges, tears, or missing ribbon observed.This will make a wonderful addition to any collection of miniature books, World's Fair memorabilia, or oddity Americana. Will be packaged with extreme care to protect the delicate structural integrity during transit.