A sterling silver, vitreous enamel and foiled crystal table lighter. As lighters go, this is perhaps one of the most beautiful examples made by the world's leading name in luxury; Cartier.As if that is not enough, it produced at a time when perhaps their finest creations were being conceived. The lighter itself has a lot in common with the classic 'lift arm' pocket lighters from same period technically. The body however is a masterpiece. The center section of the lighter comprises of a series of hand cut, foiled back, rose quartz crystal, each with beautiful, hand cut, beveling along each of the edges. The colour itself is a stunning pinky, rose. The mirror backing helps enhance the colour and bounce more light through the shards of crystal.
The crystal is framed both at the top and the bottom with a lip of hand applied black vitreous enamel, sitting atop of the sterling. The base, again, is classic Cartier design. There are two screws that come away from the body. One for the flint. One for the petrol/lighter fluid. All aspects of the base are both hand engraved with signatures and featuring a variety of poinçon marks, unique Cartier reference stamps and U.K import assay stamps. This is exceptionally rare, and adds to the beauty of this example. It was made for retail at Cartier, London. Such is the quality of these early Cartier lighters that the screws are both hinged inside, allowing for them to sit flat onto the base when fully screwed in, and not revel the unsightly screw indent. To unscrew them, simply use a fingernail to hinge down half of the base of the screw which then, in-turn, acts as a grip. It is the handmade, additional details such as this that make one revel in handling such museum quality pieces.
Going back to the top frame of the crystal. There is a full set of the U.K import assay office stamps set into the sterling and enamel banding on the top area. It has the 'JC' for Jaques Cartier. Next along, the London import mark, and then the date letter of 't' for having been imported in 1934. This puts the lighter at the height of the Art Deco movement. A time which is very much reflected in the majesty of this lighter. Opulence, style, detail, beauty and quality in abundance. Smoking was such a part of all aspects of life at this time. But, in the upper echelons of society, it was a real occasion. The accessories that were made around smoking were nothing short of extraordinary. From ash trays, cases, boxes, lighters all the way through to holders. No expense was spared and no limits placed for the elite. Lighters such as this would have graced coffee, or dining tables, study desks and libraries of the finest homes in the world and were very much some of the most expensive items for the home being made by Cartier, and luxury ateliers alike.
To operate the lighter simply lift up the lift arm, which is sprung, from the exposed corner. This will remain held back until it is necessary to snap it closed. A motion that is very pleasing and testament to all the hand finishing to the parts in motion. This snuffer arm will then extinguish the flame. As mentioned prior, the two screws allow for new flints to be added, and replacement fluid to be applied. Both of which are readily available online, and do not require any elaborate brand name.
The piece itself is superb throughout. It is approaching ninety years of age, so there is some light wear. However, the important crystal body is immaculate throughout and there are no dings or dents or loss of enamel. It has been thoroughly respected throughout its long life, and is ready to provide service for another generation or two to come! Fully signed and numbered throughout, with each piece that is removable having its own poinçon. There is the makers mark of the workshop that made these specialist pieces for Cartier also present on the inside of the snuffer; Adolphe Frontin. Frontin operated a very high end silversmith workshop in Paris from 1888, which was then taken over by his sons; Henri & Robert. It is noted that they undertook some custom pieces for Monsieur Cartier around this period, including a number of lighters both pocket and table.
This is a very rare opportunity to own a part of Cartier's illustrious history, from perhaps their finest period. Add into the mix that this lighter was then imported and sold through the Cartier London boutique, and it really is a special, quite possibly unique example. It is one of those pieces where, it is not of great importance to not use the item for its intended purpose, but, rather enjoy it as a pure sculptural, objet d'art embodying a wonderful moment in time.
