An exceptional, rare late-Victorian to Edwardian era novelty combination item. This pocket piece is intricately styled as a miniature book and features a built-in retractable fountain pen/pencil alongside a match safe cavity (vesta case).
Features & Markings:
- Maker Mark: Stamped
ECLAT 623, denoting French manufacture during the Belle Époque era. - Material: Electroplated silver over base metal.
- Dimensions: Approximately 4cm x 3cm.
- Details: One of the narrow sides features a beautifully crisp, integrated ridge pattern used as a match strike. The top is fitted with an original suspension clip meant to dangle from a traditional chatelaine or pocket watch chain.
- Mechanism: Built with an early retractable system; when drawn back, only the protective iridium ball tip of the writing nib remains visible.