Mappin Paris 1950 Retro Multiuse Money Clip Sun Clock And Compass In Silver

A desk lighter clock designed by Polaire Paris. A beautiful desk lighter-clock, created in Paris France by the Alphonse Brun company know as Polaire Paris, back in the 1938. This pi...

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...

Mechanical desk anemometer in brass. Very interesting scientific coal mining anemometer, made up back in the 1950's with brass and blackened steel parts...

World War I French aviation altimeter made by Naudet & Co. Antique French aviation altimeter designed specifically for aviation, and dating to th...

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...

Table petrol lighter designed by Tiffany & Co. Beautiful and unusual antique table petrol lighter, created in Paris France by the Tiffany & Co., back in the 1919. Crafted after the WWI as a trench-art piece in solid brass with high polished finish and embellished with a round flat holed piece, carved from natural white nacre. It is mounted in a round flat base and is fitted with a thumbwheel and a chained snuffer lid. This antique lighter should be a great conversation piece. Trench Art This is a term used to describe objects made from the debris and by-products of modern warfare. Trench Art is usually associated with the First World War, although similar items have been produced in other conflicts too. Most trench art was made by servicemen to pass the time when not in the front line. Weight: 124.7 Grams, (79.94 Dwt). Measurements: Diameter of 42 mm and a height of 94 (1.65 x 3.68 Inches). Hallmarks: Stamped with the maker's mark, attached with the French tax plaque Ministere Des Finances and signed, "TIFFANY & CO. FRANCE". Ministere Des Finances Lighter Tax 1911-1945 Historic Taxation Data 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 made in gold, 5 Fr for common table/desk lighters (lower 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" (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...

Very large, Victorian, sterling silver-mounted threaded crystal match striker, having a full sterling silver match cup, Birmingham England, year-hallmarked for 1895, Charles Mappin (...

Vintage 20th Century American 'Dollar' 14k gold money clip. Hallmarked English 14k gold (575 standard), Sterling (925 standard) CONDITION In Grea...

Vintage 20th Century British 9k gold 'paper clip' money clip. Hallmarked English 9k gold (375 standard), London, year 1974. CONDITION In Great Condition - No Damage. SIZE Height: 6...

Seiko super tanker slave clock original aqua blue finish A reclaimed and restored maritime slave clock. These clocks were used in great numbers on super tankers, cargo ships an...

Seiko super tanker slave clock original aqua marine green finish A reclaimed and restored maritime slave clock. These clocks were used in great numbers on super tankers, cargo ...

Solid brass boat compass fitted to a dovetailed wood box with rich varnished finish. Compass card is marked Star Pathfinder, Milton Mass. The entir...