Silver Eloi Pernet 5 Franc Cigar Cutter

A seriously 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 1871 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 as is 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

The coin was masterfully split and a telescopic steel guillotine cigar cutter placed between the faces.  The blade remains sharp with minor surface oxidation in points.  An aperture of 1.45cm in diameter that’ll allow for a clean cut of the cap of a 42 ring gauge cigar 

Such a rich history from a very useable piece 

Coin diameter - 3.7cm