The requisite Contents of a Lady's Dressing Case" -- Scarce Novelty 8vo Valentine with Hidden Messages

124 Cheapside, London: F. Passmore, 1870. Very good. Light spotting. One flap missing, sometime torn away and now revealing "Modesty".. A finely produced 8vo valentine made from lithographed lace paper, with hidden messages behind tiny delicate flaps. Titled "The requisite Contents of a Lady's Dressing Case", each flap has the name of a different item in a lady's toilette-- e.g. Cold Cream, Lip Salve, a Mirror, and a Wash to Prevent Wrinkles. Also has some comical items, such as "A Cure for the Heart Ache" and "Poison to be used with Caution" (The later lifts up to reveal "Love", the former lifts up to reveal "Matrimony"). Some of the other hidden messages include "Religion", "Attention", "Reflection", "Sensibility", "Purity", and "Truth". Note the implied gender roles at play here. In total there are twenty hidden messages, with one larger hidden message under a flap reading "The Casket" which lifts to reveal the largest message, "VIRTUE". Bifolium (4.75" by 7"), with pink decorated paper underneath lace paper to give color. Inside blank.