An outrageously cool antique silver 5 franc coin transformed into a cigar cutter by master knife makers Eloi Pernet
Charles Louis Eloi Pernet established his factory in 1920 and won the prestigious ‘Meilleur Ouvrier de France’ (Best Craftsman of France) award in 1925. So revered was his work that Pernet was called upon to create unique designs for world renowned luxury brands such as Hèrmes, Dupont and Dunhill
This 5 Franc coin, dated 1870 and formed of 90% silver, remains in excellent condition
Setting it aside from a normal 5 Franc coin of a similar vintage, despite the insertion of a cutter, are the hallmarks. Pernet’s maker’s mark is stamped on both sides while the French ‘le crabe’ (crab) hallmark (used by Assay offices to mark silver jewellery and accessories of a 800/000 fineness and up from 1838 up until 1962) can be seen clearly stamped under Napoleon III’s chin
The coin was masterfully split and a telescopic steel guillotine cigar cutter placed between the faces. The blade remains clean and sharp with an aperture of 1.45cm in diameter that’ll allow for a clean cut of the cap of a 42 ring gauge cigar
Attached to the cutter’s bail is an antique fob watch key as well as an antique Sterling silver, curb link Albert chain complete with T bar (hallmarked England 1906) and swivel dog clip. This allows for the cutter to be worn through button holes of waistcoat or lapel of a jacket
