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Antique French "Goudron" Briar & Amber-Resin Cigar/Cheroot Holder with Original Fitted Case
Up for sale/sale is a beautiful, complete piece of early 20th-century French smoking history. This antique cigar or cheroot holder originates from a premium artisanal workshop in France (likely the historic pipe-making hub of Saint-Claude) dating approximately to the 1900s–1920s.
Design & Material Breakdown:
• The Bowl/Base: Crafted from dark-finished genuine French briar wood (bruyère). The interior of the bowl features its authentic, rough texture meant to hold a natural carbon cake.
• The Mouthpiece: A stunning, polished butterscotch/honey-toned marbled resin designed to elegantly mimic natural Baltic amber.
• The Travel Etui: Comes housed in its original leatherette-covered, contoured, and hinged travel presentation box. The side of the case features the distinct, historical "Goudron" stamp elegantly printed in gold gilt lettering.
Historical Significance:
The "Goudron" (French for tar) designation indicates that this piece belongs to a specialized class of premium French tobacco accessories. The briar bowl was treated by the maker with a traditional pine-tar glaze, allowing the smoker to easily break in the holder without burning or scorching the fine wood on its first uses.
Condition Report:
The holder itself is in exceptional antique condition with beautiful coloration and sheen on the mouthpiece. The rough bowl interior remains well-preserved. The original fitted case shows wonderful age-appropriate character and minor shelf wear, with the gold gilt lettering remaining bright and highly legible. The hinge and latch work perfectly. Please review the high-resolution photos for the exact cosmetic condition.
Item will be carefully packed and shipped securely to preserve its delicate antique condition