I believe this three panel Brainerd and Armstrong thread sample folio--showing the "best selling shades" of knitting silk--dates to right around 1900, and it remains in excellent condition. I'll never get over the beauty of sample cards like this, which to me are really all about the packaging and delivery of color--here 73 samples of different shades. I don't believe the fourth column shows loss of thread as there are no numbered labels there; the banded toning seems rather the result of being folded against another column of threads. Creatively inspiring in all sorts of ways I think, and quite a rare one as far as I can tell. Brainerd and Armstrong (founded 1867)was based in New London, CT.

Closed: 8 1/2" x 3 1/4". Open: 9 3/4" x 8". Very good condition, clean and bright.