A reader named Colin sent me photos of a fascinating notebook from his collection:

I thought you might like to see a notebook that dates back to 1938 when my parents rented a flat in Sliema, Malta. The rent was £3.10.0 per month [£3.50 in modern money] and the ink has survived amazingly well over all these years. I found it when going through my deceased Father’s papers.

It is about 4 x 6 1/2″ with 48 lined pages which are edged in blue. The black, glossy cover has a feint, fine, vertical grooving with a hint of a random watermark pattern when the light hits it at the right angle. The cover feels as if it could be damp proof.

There are no maker’s marks. The pages are held in place with a pair of staples that are rusting. No wonder I am into notebooks as I was born in 1938 !

It’s a neat little notebook, similar to today’s Moleskine Cahiers. I love the handwriting and the stamp! And it’s a wonderful treasure for Colin to have something like this to remember his parents by. Thanks again for sharing it, Colin!