French Napoleon III / Belle Époque Mother-of-Pearl and Gilt Metal Cigarette Holder on Alabaster Base Antique

French Napoleon III / Belle Époque Mother-of-Pearl and Gilt Metal Cigarette Holder on Alabaster Base AntiqueAdditional Description: An exceptionally decorative and rare French tabletop cigarette stand, crafted in gilt metal and mounted with luminous mother of pearl panels, all resting on a carved alabaster base. The form is both sculptural and functional, featuring a circular openwork interior fitted with multiple small rings designed to hold individual cigarettes upright. The exterior is arranged with six large oval mother of pearl panels, radiating

and burgundy tones against a creamy white enamel ground

pierced repousse decoration of herons amid reeds

transferring inherited parcels to Dame Lemoine

The underside bears a partially intact retailer’s paper label reading “ALPH

Swing Handle

Not Solid sterling - mark without Minerva head is Silverplate over a brass or nickel base

featuring a circular openwork interior fitted with multiple small rings designed to hold individual cigarettes upright

or similar

The sea-nymph Galatea

paired with a small workshop punch

often sold in complete sets to gentleman's clubs

carries particular significance