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Antique 800 Silver Niello Cigar Cutter Pocket Watch Fob Chatelaine
Early 20th Century, Circa 1900–1930 (Attributed) | Silver Handle | Folding Steel Cutter | London Estate Find
A beautiful and unusual antique miniature folding cigar cutter, featuring an elegant silver handle with decorative black niello-style inlay, a steel cutting mechanism and a small suspension ring.
This compact accessory was designed for convenient pocket use and could be attached to a pocket watch chain, Albert chain or traditional chatelaine.
Discovered during a property clearance in London, England, this attractive antique is offered in its original as-found condition.
DESIGN & CRAFTSMANSHIP
The slender silver handle features fine parallel black decorative lines, creating an elegant contrast against the silver surface.
The decoration has the appearance of traditional niello inlay, a technique historically used to create dark ornamental patterns on silver objects.
The miniature cigar cutter incorporates a folding steel blade, a shaped cutting head and a spring-operated mechanism.
A small suspension ring at the end allows the piece to be carried as a pocket watch chain fob or chatelaine accessory.
SILVER HANDLE & MATERIALS
The handle is attributed to 800 silver, as identified by the seller. No silver hallmark has been found.
The black decorative lines are described as niello-style inlay. The exact composition of the dark inlay has not been independently verified.
IMPORTANT: THE CUTTING BLADE AND MECHANICAL COMPONENTS ARE STEEL / BASE METAL, NOT SILVER.
The silver attribution applies to the decorative handle only, not to the complete cutter.
ITEM DETAILS
- Type: Antique Folding Cigar Cutter
- Style: Pocket Watch Chain Fob / Chatelaine Accessory
- Period: Early 20th Century, Circa 1900–1930 (Attributed)
- Handle Material: 800 Silver (Attributed, Unmarked)
- Decoration: Black Niello-Style Inlay
- Cutting Mechanism: Steel / Base Metal
- Construction: Miniature Folding Cutter
- Attachment: Suspension Ring
- Hallmark: No Silver Hallmark Identified
- Provenance: Property Clearance, London, England
- Condition: Antique, As Found, Spring Mechanism Fault
MEASUREMENTS
Length: Approx. 5 cm / 1.97 inches
Width: Approx. 1.5 cm / 0.59 inches
All measurements were taken manually and are approximate.
CONDITION - ANTIQUE / AS FOUND
ANTIQUE CONDITION WITH VISIBLE SIGNS OF AGE AND PREVIOUS USE.
The cutter displays natural patina, surface scratches, tarnishing, oxidation and age-related wear consistent with its antique character.
IMPORTANT MECHANICAL FAULT: THE SPRING DOES NOT RETURN THE CUTTING MECHANISM TO ITS ORIGINAL POSITION AFTER THE CUTTER IS PRESSED.
The mechanism may require manual repositioning and attention or repair to restore normal spring operation.
THIS ITEM IS SOLD STRICTLY AS FOUND, WITHOUT RESTORATION OR MECHANICAL REPAIR.
The cutter was discovered during a property clearance in London, England, and is offered in its present condition.
Please do not purchase expecting a fully functioning spring-operated cutter.
Please examine ALL photographs carefully before purchasing. The photographs show the actual item offered for sale and form an essential part of the condition description.
PHOTOGRAPHY, LIGHTING & COLOUR
Some photographs were taken under strong direct lighting to show the decorative handle, dark inlay, metal surfaces and mechanical construction as clearly as possible.
Strong lighting may make the silver appear brighter or more reflective than under normal indoor lighting.
Natural patina, oxidation and surface details may appear different depending on lighting conditions, viewing angle and individual screen settings.
All photographs show the actual item offered for sale.
COLLECTOR\'S INTEREST
An attractive antique miniature cigar cutter combining a decorative silver handle, niello-style ornamentation, folding steel construction and a traditional suspension ring.
Of interest to collectors of antique cigar cutters, historic smoking accessories, pocket watch chain fobs, chatelaine accessories and traditional European silverwork.
Its compact size and decorative construction also make it an appealing historical display piece.
OUR ANTIQUE & VINTAGE COLLECTIBLES
We offer genuine antique and vintage collectibles with historical character, traditional craftsmanship and individual signs of age.
Natural patina, wear and traces of previous use are part of the individuality of historic objects.
If you are looking for a brand-new, flawless or factory-perfect item, please do not purchase this antique collectible.
SHIPPING TO THE UNITED STATES - DDP
All shipments to the United States are sent DDP (Delivered Duty Paid).
Applicable US import duties and customs charges are prepaid by the seller.
US buyers will not be required to pay additional import duties upon delivery.
The item will be carefully and securely packed for safe international transportation.
Tracked international shipping is provided.
