ART DÉCO ‘LISEUSE’ 18K GOLD, BLUE ENAMEL AND SAPPHIRES MECHANICAL PENCIL French, attributed to Cartier, circa 1925

Flattened cylindrical or 'feather' shape, the gold enameled blue along the sides, central rectangular striated cartouche ending in an Oriental palmette centering a cabochon sapphire on each side, the top applied with a stylized gold square lantern set with two cabochon sapphires which revolves to push the lead outwards or inwards. Triangular ringlet going through the lantern Hallmarks: ‘18K’ and ‘eagle’s head, French maker's mark (partially legible); numbered ‘.. 87’ (on ringlet) L. 9.5 cm executed circa 1925 In its case Cartier, with the certificate of authenticity by Alain Cartier no. ALC-12 Accessories such as writing instruments entered Cartier’s inventory early after the opening of Cartier at 13 rue de la Paix. Following the evolution of style from the Belle Epoque to Art Deco, these accessories were no longer decorated in guilloche enamel but with champlevé enamel with oriental motifs and designs which were popular at the time. The flattened shape gives it the term 'liseuse' which is defined as a small paper knife which can be used as a bookmark. The ringlet permitted the pencil to be placed on a chain around one's neck, man or woman, for use at the races, or at the end of a watch fob or a watch chain with a vesta case, a cigar-cutter, or a penknife.