YMCA, Dec 25, 1919, Unusual Antique Type-Stamped Solid Lead Miniature Folk Art Book hand-sewn mat and carved flip up top

and carved flip up top opening

they're just gorgeous

the more one finds

There is a small crease at the upper left corner

the FREE in free cats here feels as much like a call for freedom (from tyrannical forces

YMCA, Dec 25, 1919, Unusual Antique Type-Stamped Solid Lead Miniature Folk Art Book hand-sewn mat and carved flip up topThis one is very much of the ilk of a miniature folk art book carved of marble or stone, but instead is made of solid lead (and as such can be used to draw with, like a pencil!) I have no knowledge of its connection to the YMCA on Christmas in 1919, but those were the fairly early years of the YMCA in the United States, with the organization providing a wide array of programs services to diverse populations. I have found a fair number of old YMCA