Antique Telescopic Portamina FIX Savard Chatelaine...

Splendid and authentic antique telescopic porte-mince (pencil) in miniature format, originally born as a functional pendant for chatelaines or for pocket watch chains. A refined example of French jewelry making and industrial micromechanics from the early 20th century, perfect both as a collectible piece and to wear today as a vintage pendant on a necklace. The main body features sophisticated geometric vertical-rayed work (engine-turned / gadroon) on the inner section, which provides an excellent grip and perfectly anticipates the clean lines of the Art Deco style. The sectional telescopic mechanism is fluid, fully opens and slides with perfect smoothness, nearly doubling its length. DETAILS AND AUTHENTICITY HALLMARKS The item is exceptionally signed and bears the dual French legal marks impressed both on the curvature of the upper suspension ring and repeated on the links and coupling rings: 1. Trade mark "FIX": The famous premium brand registered by the Savard manufactory, synonymous with a very thick gold lamination (gold-filled double) mechanically fused onto the base metal, incredibly resistant and brilliant. 2. Rectangular warranty mark: The official goldsmith maker’s mark required for high-end plated and laminated pieces. PHYSICAL SPECIFICATIONS AND DATING • Finish: Gold filled / Gold plated (Gold Filled FIX) • Total weight: 6 grams • Closed length (including hook): 5.5 cm • Maximum extended length of the telescoping: about 9 – 10 cm • Era and precise dating: 1900 – 1910 (Period bridging late Liberty and early Art Deco) • Manufacturing: Bijoux FIX (Savard Ltd. – France) CURIOSITIES AND HISTORY FIX-branded jewelry and accessories were invented by the genius Parisian goldsmith François Savard in the 19th century and patented to offer the public objects that had the exact aesthetic appearance and durability of 18K gold, but with a stronger internal structure. This specific porte-mine was an indispensable accessory of Belle Époque social life: it was attached to the chatelaine (the belt carrying accessories for high society) or to the vest pocket to be used at dances and receptions. It served to note the names of suitors on dance pads (the famous “carnet de bal”) or to take quick notes in the booklets. The extraordinary quality of the FIX patent is demonstrated by the fact that, over a century later, the gold laminate remains intact, brilliant and free of wear. CONDITION OF THE OBJECT Excellent showroom-worthy condition. The gold-filled layer is entirely and well preserved on every single part, shiny and free of abrasions or worn spots where the base metal shows through. The two-section telescopic mechanism is not deformed, maintains its perfect geometric linearity both closed and at maximum extension and is fully functional. It is complete with its original vintage circular toggle hook. (Note for the buyer: to write, it requires thick graphite leads of 1.18 mm, still produced by brands such as Kaweco and easily available online).

Estimate:$78.43

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