Tiffany Co. Paris 1916 French Table Petrol Lighter In Jasper And Sterling Silver

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".

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 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. 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)

Orbicular Ocean Jasper

This mineral is a variety of jasper which contains variably-colored orbs or spherical inclusions or zones. In highly silicified rhyolite or tuff, quartz and feldspar crystallize in radial aggregates of needle-like crystals which provide the basis or seed for the orbicular structure seen in this kind of jasper. The material is quite attractive when polished and is used as an ornamental stone or gemstone. The trade name ocean jasper is used for a variety found along the intertidal shores of northeast Madagascar. Also orbicular jasper, like Ocean jasper has been recently found in a new location in Bulgaria in early 2017 by Nikolaos Dafnis and Asimina Sklari and they gave the trade name Bulgarian.

Note: This piece is empty of any flammable, gas or butane substances and is ready to be ship by any carrier.

Note: Replaced with new flint stone, wick and Cotton wadding.

Collateral: It is accompanied by a presentation jewelry pouch.

Condition: The overall condition of this table lighter is excellent and working. Beside the little normal wear, there is no damage to the silver. The jasper gemstone is secured in the setting. This piece has been carefully inspected to guarantee the condition and authenticity.

INVENTORY REF: D041923XOSN/6.715