Going vintage (and my solution)

I know I only recently posted about my filofax changes here and here, but I've already been having doubts about using a slimline as my main binder... Going through my Malden I got rid of lots of rubbish, but still had notes that wouldn't fit in my Adelphi but I still wanted to keep or go through. And that's when the craziness began! I remembered something one day and thought, "Great, that's in the back of my filofax" but then, "Oh, it's not as it doesn't fit any more". It was in my A5, but just wasn't as easy to find and now I needed to look in two separate places. The final straw came when I was arranging some paperwork for a holiday and I'm not sure if a slimline will be big enough for a week away but I don't want to take my A5 with me too. Uh-oh.

I've found (in my brief trial) that a slimline may appeal to my minimalist heart, but it's just not big enough for me to carry sufficient spare paper, inspirational quotes/notes along with all my essentials like my to-do lists and project info. I could imagine myself using it as a wallet or as a satellite filo when out and about but I want to simplify, not increase the number of binders I own.

And here is my solution, a personal Ascot purchased from the lovely Renate via the Adspot page. This is one classy binder and the perfectly aligned rings shut with a louder and more satisfying snap than on any of my newer models'. It also feels more luxurious than the two Winchesters I briefly had in my possession.

Pretty similar to the Osterleys (I think) and less puffy than the Amazonas

The only proper sign of wear is where some of the stitching has gone from by the pen loop, but I'm hoping it'll hold on OK

8 card slots, 2 full length/width gusseted pockets with ring protectors, one small pen loop and the F on the ring mechanism (rather than on the exterior spine) 

It feels much slimmer than either of my personal Maldens did, and I'll be moving to top tabs as the side ones get a bit stuck on my pen

Some extra goodies kindly included! 

I never imagined owning a black filo when there are so many colourful ones to choose from. And now I realise that it depends on the binder! After a little TLC using Nivea and shoe polish, I realised that I've found 'the one' (hallelujah). Despite singing the praises of my A5 Domino snake I've barely touched it and it's been sitting looking pretty on my bookcase, I'm afraid. For a brief moment, I considered using all sizes together but I know that three is just too many for me. So, now what? My beautiful A5 will be winging its way to Norway shortly and after several attempts now I've realised that one is perfect for me, so the others will be going too. So please remind me of this if I start talking about buying any more.

On a final note, does anyone know more info about this model, for example what leather they're made from, when they were available or why they were made in the US? I'd love to find out a little more of their history.