-Cartier 1926 Tom Pouce Ladies Lighter In 18Kt Gold Bronze Champlevé Enamel Emerald And Lapis
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. A similar law was constituted in Belgium and Spain although it was applied for a short time. The taxation of lighters in France was abolished in 1945. (The Lighters Collectors Guide with thanks).
History
The first Tutti Frutti piece was designed in 1901 by Pierre Cartier. It was a necklace commissioned by queen Alexandra to be worn with three Indian gowns she received as a gift. The designs are considered the perfect mix of east and west because they are made up of brightly colored gemstones (like sapphires, rubies and emeralds) carved using Indian techniques and set in French platinum and diamond mountings. The style became extremely popular during the 1920's, but it wasn't christened the 'Tutti Frutti' until1970.
Mughal jewelry
Five centuries ago, India was under the rule and influence of the Mughal dynasty. The Mughal royalty were connoisseurs of architecture, arts, food, clothing and of course, jewelry. During the Mughal rule, jewelry-making was given utmost importance. This art gave birth to unique jewelry pieces studded with chunky gemstones and enameled with motif designs. Royal family members and people of high rank proudly displayed such jewelry all over their bodies, from jeweled turbans and head-jewelry to thick-set toe rings. The Mughal emperors wore silk turbans sequined with decorative, drooping feather-like ornaments. These turban ornaments are cast in enameled gold and are augmented with precious gemstones and pearls. Such head jewelry was made of either gold or silver and decorated with precious gemstones and quality beads.
Collateral: It is accompanied by the original Cartier presentation cylinder box.
Condition: The overall condition of this lighter is very good. Beside the little normal wear, there is no damage to any part. Both gemstones are secured in the settings. This piece has been carefully inspected to guarantee the condition and the authenticity.
INVENTORY REF: P041223ROCF/.5276
