Stone Tobacco Accessories

Mughal ladies Tom Pouce lighter designed by Cartier. Fabulous and extremely rare ladies cylindrical gasoline lighter. Created in Paris during the art deco period by the house of Cartier, back in the middle of the 1920's. This miniature Tom Pouce lighter, takes its name from the classic short fairy tales by the Grimm's brothers, Tom Thumb (Tom Pouce being the French translation). It was crafted with Champlevé colored enamels over rustic bronze and accented with details in yellow gold of 18 karats. Embellished with natural lapis lazuli and an emerald. The main outside body is decorated with organics elements and figures of red and blue birds. Gorgeous look and surely a great conversation piece which is accompanied by the round Cartier red box. Champlevé, in the decorative arts, is an enameling technique or an object made by the champlevé process, which consists of cutting away troughs or cells in a metal plate and filling the depressions with pulverized vitreous enamel. The raised metal lines between the cutout areas form the design outline. Emerald: Accented on top in a bezel setting, with 1 square faceted cut of a natural green emerald of about 0.15 carats. Lapis: Mount with 1 flat round cabochon cut, carved from lapis lazuli of about 1.25 carats. Birthstone: Emerald for the month of May. Weight: 21.95 Grams, (14.07 Dwt). Measurements: Have a diameter of 16 mm and a height of 33 mm (0.63 x 1.30 Inches). Hallmarks Stamped with the maker's mark, the serial numbers, the French taxation mark for luxury items BL inside a rectangular cartouche and signed, "CARTIER 5554", stamped with matching cases numbers, 13 & 13. Ministere Des Finances Lighter Tax 1911-1945 Note: On 10th December 1910 the French state adopted a new tax regulations on all devices indented to produce spark or fire by friction, or by any other means, and of the combustion of a flammable substance. Since 1st January 1911 every lighter in France that was intended for sale in the French market had to be taxed and adequately marked. To confirm that the excise duty was paid to the Ministry of Finance a special duty metal plate (stamp) was attached (usually welded) to the lighter by the lighter manufacturers. The fees charged by the French state were high but the tax rates levied by the state were varying depending on the type and finish of the lighter. Following tax rates were used: 2 French francs for common pocket lighters, 5 Fr for pocket lighters made of silver, 20 Fr for luxury pocket lighters (e.g. made of gold), 5 Fr for common table/desk lighters (over 10 cm), 10 Fr for table/desk lighters (over 10 cm) made of silver, 50 Fr for luxury table/desk lighters (over 10 cm) made of gold or platinum. Between 1911 and 1916 a simple copper plate was used which had the date 1911 engraved. Later, between 1916 and 1945 a new plate (undated) was introduced with the letters "C" and "I" (stands for indirect taxes) and a profile of Mercury (patron god of financial gain, commerce and messengers) with an inscription "Ministère Des Finances" (eng. Ministry of Finance). Two shapes were used for the plate – oval for table lighters, the other one for pocket lighters. Additional to the two duty plates a marking "BL" (Briquet de Luxe, eng. luxury lighter) was introduced in 1926. It was a small hallmark which was considered as more discreet and applied only on luxury lighters like Quercia or Lancel. It is worth to mention that France was not the sole country where lighters were taxed and marked with special plates...

Rare, American, Edwardian Period, sterling silver-mounted threaded crystal match striker, The Durgin Silver Co. (William B. Durgin), Concord, New Hampshire, Ca. 1900. Measures 2 1/...

With vintage charm and petite scale, this Chinese matchbox holder features an openwork jade lid carved to depict flowers and foliage in translucent green. The jade panel is removable...

Edwardian, sterling silver cranberry/red, tyg-form (a tyg is a three-handled Scottish drinking cup), threaded crystal match striker, having three, clear handles, London, 1916, Robert Pringle and Sons...

Art deco set of case and vesta matches box by Louis Kuppenheim. A beautiful set comprising of a case for cigarettes and a vesta box for matches. This suite was created in Germany du...

Mid-Century Modern pink and white Mineral Rock ashtray, catchall, vide poche or bowl made in Italy. Raw Rock Crystal hand carved in a geometric shape. Great as Ring Dish or Key Bowl...

Carved meerschaum pipe, with amber mouthpiece and gold band. In the bowl of the pipe, a woman's head is depicted with hair gathered with a hairstyle of ribbons and flowers. Vienna, A...

Unusual, rare, Georgian (George III) Period, sterling silver-mounted (unmarked, but tested) ram's horn snuff mull, having a hinged lid with a large car...

Edwardian Period, sterling silver-mounted threaded crystal match striker, Birmingham, England, Ca. 1910 (year mark is rubbed), Salmon and Gluckstein, Ltd.- makers. Measures 2 1/2 inc...

This beautiful cigarette case, in the style of Cartier, is made with 24 diamonds, malachite and onyx with inlaid gold. This inside is marked 14k and is inscribed "Margaret Quart." Th...

Vintage Argo Ashtray, a unique and stylish piece that exudes timeless charm. This exquisite ashtray features a beautiful green color, adding a touch of elegance to any space. What se...

Edwardian Period, sterling silver-mounted threaded crystal match striker, London, Ca. 1910. Measures approximately 2 inches high x approximately 2 inches diameter (at widest point). ...

A vintage circular stone ashtray. Beautiful natural variation to the dark black and gray stone. Carved horse design around the sides.

Vintage mid century modern small round ashtray made from a beautifully layered and striated piece of onyx stone in shades of brown, tan and beige. An amazing piece of stone that show...

Large, Edwardian-Style, controlled bubbles crystal match striker, England, Ca. 1960's, Thomas Webb - maker. (The striker is signed by the maker on the underside of the striker - see ...

Vintage diamond-shaped cut crystal ashtray, made in clear glass and possibly of French origin. Has two grooves to put down cigarettes if it's used as an ashtray. Preserved in very go...

Signed Val Saint Lambert Diamond faceted shaped lead crystal Ashtray, handcut-to-clear, the glass clear thick, deeply and evenly cut, made in Belg...

Rare, large, Edwardian sterling silver-mounted threaded crystal match striker having a full sterling silver match cup, Birmingham, England, year-hallmarked for 1915. Measures 3 1/2...

Goldstone and silver Cartier lighter. A most handsomely chic objet by Cartier from the Forties. Carved goldstone with smooth varied patterning i...

Edwardian Period, sterling silver-mounted threaded crystal match striker, Birmingham, England, year-hallmarked for 1910, J. Grinsell and Sons - makers. Measures 2 inches high x 2 inc...

1960s Gorgeous smoking set in onyx. The table lighter works perfectly. Made in Italy. The items are in excellent condition. Dimension: Table Lighter diameter 2,36" x 4,72" H inches d...

Unusual, vintage, sterling silver-mounted, controlled bubbles crystal match holder, Sheffield, England, year-hallmarked for 2007. The controlled b...

A simple and sophisticated crystal cigar ashtray. A compliment to the bar, smoking room, desk or work station. Can be used for cigars, or 420... and also can be a pocket tray r cat...

Edwardian Period, sterling silver-mounted crystal match striker, Birmingha,. England, year-hallmarked for 1911, Mappin and Webb - makers. Measures 4 1/2 inches high x 3 3/4 inches di...

Dunhill of London Sterling Silver & Onyx Cufflinks in Original Dunhill Presentation Box & Card Engraved logo on the swivel fastening. 99% Silver, 1% Rhodium plated Made in Germany

1960s Gorgeous smoking set in onyx. The table lighter works perfectly. Made in Italy. The items are in excellent condition. Dimension: Table Lighter diameter 2,36" x 4,72" H inches d...

Large, Edwardian Period, sterling silver-mounted threaded crystal match striker, American, Ca. 1910. Measures 2 3/4 inches high x 3 inches diameter (at widest point). There a a few v...

1970s Gorgeous smoking set in onyx. The table lighter works perfectly. Made in Italy. The items are in excellent condition. Dimension: Table Lighter 2,36" x 2,36" x 3,93" H inches cm...

Art deco box desk lighter made in England. A beautiful table-desk lighter, created in London England back in the 1929. This sculptural piece has been crafted during the high art dec...

Round Cylindrical snuffbox, regular, consisting of a base and a removable interlocking lid. On the lid a ring in smooth pink gold, which stops a glass lens. Inside a rare Memento mori decoration painted in oil on a white agate table...

Elevate your smoking experience with this exquisite pair of Mid-Century Modern Baccarat Geometric shaped Crystal Cigar Ashtrays. Meticulously crafted, each ashtray is a testament to ...

When it comes to defining elegance and affluence as a lifestyle, Lalique crystal comes to mind for most people. From its earliest days to present times, the Lalique Company has consi...

Green marble canister with cream veining features a brass and stainless steel lid. Originally a cigarette holder, it would be perfect for it's intended use or a vessel for q-tips or ...

This antique chrome ashtray stand is unsigned, but presumed to have originated from the United States and date to approximately 1920 and done in the period Art Deco style. The ashtray stand features a hand-carved and hand-painted stylized parrot and has a unique polished and stacked marble base...

Very decorative 1960s Italian hand carved orange alabaster smoking set by Romano Bianchi. Consists of a heavy ashtray, also very useful as trinket dish or vide-poche. A table lighter (which also fits a wax tea light candle). And a very pretty lidded hinged box, which originally would have held cigarettes but also could be used to keep jewellery or little treasures in. Cigarette sales peaked in the 20th century, people were allowed to smoke in the office, the cinema, at restaurants, indoors and outdoors. Once women were able to smoke freely, smoking became a social norm and in general it was considered an act of elegance and sophistication. Businessmen in the 1960s were rarely seen without a cigarette in their hand. So needles to say you needed pretty smoking accessories...

An Asian brass cigarette box with serpentine stone and hand engraving, circa mid-20th century, China. This brass box has a teak wood lining, a round centre serpentine stone that rese...

English Edwardian crystal match strike with sterling silver mount. Globular with fine ribbing. Central well has flat and plain sterling silver collar. Crystal clear. Fully marked inc...

1960s Gorgeous smoking set in onyx. The table lighter works perfectly. Made in Italy. The items are in excellent condition. Dimension: Table Lighter diameter 3,39" x 4,33" H inche...

Table petrol lighter designed by Tiffany & Co. A very unusual table petrol lighter, created in Paris France by Tiffany & Co. back in the 1916. This is an extremely rare table lighter has been crafted in solid .900/.999 silver and carved Orbicular Ocean Jasper. Mounted in a round dentilated flat base and fitted with a chained lid. Gemstones: The main body of the lighter is carved from one single piece of rare Orbicular Ocean Jasper from Madagascar. Birthstone: For the month of April 20 to May 20 Weight: 226.50 Grams, (145.19 Dwt). Measurements: 47 mm by 47 mm by (1.85 x 1.85 x 3.75 Inches). Hallmarks: Stamped with French marks, the maker's maitre mark EM inside a lozange cartouche, the brand name mark, the French tax plaque Ministere Des Finances with monogram CI and signed, "TIFFANY & CO. PARIS". Note: On 10th December 1910 the French state adopted a new tax regulations on all devices indented to produce spark or fire by friction, or by any other means, and of the combustion of a flammable substance. Since 1st January 1911 every lighter in France that was intended for sale in the French market had to be taxed and adequately marked. To confirm that the excise duty was paid to the Ministry of Finance a special duty metal plate (stamp) was attached (usually welded) to the lighter by the lighter manufacturers. The fees charged by the French state were high but the tax rates levied by the state were varying depending on the type and finish of the lighter. Following tax rates were used: 2 French francs for common pocket lighters, 5 Fr for pocket lighters made of silver, 20 Fr for luxury pocket lighters (e.g. made of gold), 5 Fr for common table/desk lighters (over 10 cm), 10 Fr for table/desk lighters (over 10 cm) made of silver, 50 Fr for luxury table/desk lighters (over 10 cm) made of gold or platinum. Between 1911 and 1916 a simple cooper plate was used which had the date 1911 engraved. Later, between 1916 and 1945 a new plate (undated) was introduced with the letters "C" and "I" (stands for indirect taxes) and a profile of Mercury (patron god of financial gain, commerce and messengers) with an inscription "Ministère Des Finances" (eng. Ministry of Finance). Two shapes were used for the plate – oval for table lighters, the other one for pocket lighters. Additional to the two duty plates a marking "BL" (Briquet de Luxe, eng. luxury lighter) was introduced in 1926. It was a small hallmark which was considered as more discreet and applied only on luxury lighters like Quercia or Lancel. It is worth to mention that France was not the sole country where lighters were taxed and marked with special plates...

1930s bouquet hand-polished white agate chrome steel table lighter with an auto flip mechanism. Perfect for the home lounge or small bar. 1930, United states.

A mixture of finely powdered tobacco, herbs, and spices, snuff was introduced to China in the 17th century by Western diplomats. Initially reserved for ranking members of Qing-dynast...

Rare, unusual, very, very large sterling silver-mounted threaded crystal match striker, London, England, year-hallmarked for 1905, Stuart Clifford/S. Clifford and Co. - makers. The s...

A beautiful Italian canary yellow glass and brass ashtray, Midcentury Modern period, circa 1950s, Italy. A great piece for a cocktail table, side table, etc. Piece has two supports a...

A mixture of finely powdered tobacco, herbs, and spices, snuff was introduced to China in the 17th century by Western diplomats. Initially reserved for ranking members of Qing-dynast...

Vintage diamond-shaped cut crystal ashtray, made in clear glass and possibly of French origin. Has two grooves to put down cigarettes if it's used as an ashtray. Preserved in very g...

A mixture of finely powdered tobacco, herbs, and spices, snuff was introduced to China in the 17th century by Western diplomats. Initially reserved for ranking members of Qing-dynast...

An Art Deco patinated at metal figural table lighter of Boy Golfer on an Onyx base. Made by the austrian sculpture Joesef Lorenzl. The striker wand is miss...

1970s Gorgeous smoking set in crystal by Lalique. made in France. The both pieces are signed on the bottom. Made in France. The table lighter works perfectly. The items are in excell...

Crystal We have specialized in the sale of Art Deco and Art Nouveau and Vintage styles since 1982. Why are there so many antiques in Argentina? In the 1880 – 1940 there was a grate wave of immigration encouraged by the periods of war that were taking place. 1st World War took place between 1914 and 1918 2nd World War took place between 1939 and 1945 The immigrants options were New York or Buenos Aires. Tickets were cheap and in Buenos Aires they were welcomed with open arms, as it was a country where everything was still to be done. Argentina was the country of new opportunities, labour was needed and religious freedom was assured, in many cases the of the family travel first until they were settled and then the rest of the family members join them. In the immigrant museum “Ellis Island Immigrant Building” in New York you can se the promotional posters of the boats that would take them to a new life. Between the years 1895 and 1896, Argentina had the highest DGP (gross domestic product) per capita in the world according to the Maddison Historical Statistics index, this situation arose due to the large amount of food being exported to European countries, which were at war. The Argentinean ships left the port of Buenos Aires with food, but they returned with furniture, clothes and construction elements, (it´s common to see this the old buildings of the historic neighbourhood of San Telmo, the beams with the inscription “Made in England)”, as well as many markets that were built in Buenos Aires, such us the San Telmo Market, whose structure was brought by ship and afterwards assembled in 900 Defensa Street. With the great influence of European immigrants living in the country, the children of the upper classes travelled to study in France, resulting in the inauguration of “La Maison Argentinienne”, on 27th of June 1928, in the international city of Paris, which hosted many Argentinians that were studying in Frace. It´s the fourth house to be built after France, Canada and Belgium, being the first Spanish-speaking one. Still in place today (17 Bd Jourdan, 75014, Paris, France). Many of the children of these wealthy families who attended international art exhibitions, museums and art courses abroad, took a keen interest in the European style. This is why Buenos Aires was at the time referred as “The Paris of South America”. Between the years 1890 and 1920 more than a hundred Palaces were built on Alvear Avenue the most exclusive avenue in Buenos Aires. Today some of these palaces have been transformed into museums, hotels and embassies. In the year 1936, the Kavanagh building was inaugurated, it was the tallest reinforced concrete building in South America. During 1994 the American Society of Civil Engineers distinguished it as an “international engineering milestone”, and it´s now considered a World Heritage of Modern Architecture. At the time was common to hire foreign architects such as Le Corbusier, who visited Buenos Aires/Argentina in 1929 and in 1948 he drew up the blueprints for a house built in La Plata City (which was declared a World Heritage Site). In 1947, the Hungarian architect Marcelo Breuer designed “Parador Ariston” in the seaside city of Mar del Plata. After an Argentinean student at Harvard University convinced him to come to Argentina. He worked on an urban development project in the Casa Amarilla, area of La Boca. The Ukrainian architect, Vladimiro Acosta, arrives in Argentina in 1928 and worked as an architect until que moved to Brazil. Antonio Bonet, a Spanish architect who worked with Le Corbusier in Paris, arrives in Argentina in 1937, where he carried out several architectural works and in 1938 designs the well-known BFK chair. Andres Kálnay, of Hungarian origin, made around 120 architectural masterpieces, among which the former Munich brewery stands out, he even made the furniture’s design. The German architect, Walter Gropius, director of the Bauhaus, lived in Argentina, where he wrote articles for “Sur” magazine and founded in Buenos Aires, an architectural firm with Franz Möller, who was also an architect, where he built two houses. At the same time several famous designers decided to immigrate to Argentina, among them we can find the well-known French designer, Jean-Michel Frank, who arrived in the country in 1940 and also worked for the Rockefeller family. Special pieces were made, which were sold exclusively in the country, such as the well-known German company “WMF”, who sold their products by catalogue, which were chosen by the ladies of high society in the list of wedding gifts, as well as the pieces designed by Christofle. The Swiss sculptor Alberto Giacometti, made special pieces for Argentinean mansions. In 1904 the first Jansen branch outside Paris was established in Buenos Aires, as the Argentinean clientele demanded a large amount of furniture, from the end of the 19th century to the mid-20th century. In 1970, the brand Rigolleau Argentina made pieces authorised by Lalique. The brands Maple and Thompson also set up shop in the country. The French plastic artist, Marcel Duchamp moved to Argentina in 1918-1919. Glass signed Gallé, Charder, Leverre, Schneider, Muller and other French firms. They were bought in flower shops and were given to ladies with beautiful floral arrangements. Some furniture manufacturers travelled to international fairs and bough the patterns to produce the furniture in Argentina, such as the furniture firm Englander and Bonta, who bought the patterns ins Italy. It is worth mentioning that in Argentina we have the largest community of Italians outside...

A delightful early Art Deco Austrian marble pin dish mounted with two cold painted owls attributed to Franz Xaver Bergmann (Austrian, 1861-1936) and d...

A small Italian alabaster marble ashtray with animal paw feet in the Regency style, circa 1960s, Italy. A convenient mini ashtray with protective gold gilt metal rim around top with ...

Carved out black marble ashtray, revealing nicely placed circular white veining. Has an imperfection / chip near one of the cigarette notches, shown in image 3, bottom left notch.

Table cigar lighter in the shape of a four-leaf clover with frames in 925/1000 sterling silvergold plated and real malachite stone. Piezoelectric m...

1960s Stunning alabaster smoking set by Romano Bianchi with ashtray and table lighter, everything is handmade carved. The table lighter works perfeclty....

1960s Gorgeous salmon colored alabaster smoking set by Romano Bianchi with ashtray, cigarette box and table lighter, everything is handmade carved. Made...

A mixture of finely powdered tobacco, herbs, and spices, snuff was introduced to China in the 17th century by Western diplomats. Initially reserved for ranking members of Qing-dynast...

Elegant midcentury rounded white travertine marble ashtray or bowl. Fratelli Mannelli probably designed this fantastic piece in Italy during the 1970s. This wonderful item is made...

A mixture of finely powdered tobacco, herbs, and spices, snuff was introduced to China in the 17th century by Western diplomats. Initially reserved for ranking members of Qing-dynast...