Art Deco seal in solid silver and gold vermeil with a Bakelite tubular handle

Elegant and refined antique desk wax seal, a superb example of Parisian craftsmanship and the stylistic transition between the late 19th century and the Art Deco period. The item comes complete with its highly sought-after original case, a detail that significantly increases its rarity and collectible value. Manufacture and Hallmarks (Precious Metal) The lower mounting and the seal matrix are made from authentic French Vermeil (heavy-gold plated silver). On the edge of the base is clearly stamped the famous official boar head mark ("Tête de Sanglier"), introduced in France in 1838 to guarantee assaying of silver with a minimum fineness of 800/1000 at the Paris Assurance Office. The decorative details on the cylindrical metal shaft show very fine engravings from the late 19th-century/ Belle Époque era with scroll and stylized leaf motifs. Gilding in Vermeil (Gold Cloisonné) The precious gilding that coats the entire silver structure is not a common industrial plating, but a high-precision finish executed in high thickness. In France, historically this union took the name Vermeil, obtained by applying a layer of yellow gold (usually 18k or 24k) over a solid silver base. The gold used is distinguished by its warm, rich, deep tone typical of the gold alloys used by Parisian master goldsmiths at the turn of the 19th to the 20th century. This process served not only an aesthetic purpose of immense prestige but also protected the underlying silver from oxidation and contact with the heat of the melted wax. At the most prominent points of the chased shaft and along the exposed edges of the base, the gold shows a slight, fascinating historical wear: this delicate exposure of the underlying silver creates a unique, authentic color contrast highly sought after by collectors because it guarantees the object's absolute originality and the absence of modern restorations or recolorations. Specifications and Rarity of Catalin Marbleized Bakelite (Catalin Marmorizzata) The handle is made from a noble and highly collectible variant of epochal phenolic resin, historically known in the market as Catalin. Developed from the late 1920s, this evolution of classic bakelite distinguished itself by the absence of organic fillers (such as wood sawdust), allowing a range of vivid colors, extraordinary translucency to light, and spectacular veining effects. Specifically, this piece features the variety defined by international collectors as "Spinach Green" or "Jadeite Green." The peculiarity lies in the artisanal casting process: during the liquid resin’s solidification, pigments of different chromatic densities were inserted and then hand-mixed by the artisan. This produced a unique “liquid marbling” effect for each piece, capable of remarkably faithfully imitating the inclusions and internal clouding of precious stones like nephrite jade and onyx. Unlike modern plastics or glass, high-quality Catalin possesses distinctive physical properties that modern design experts actively seek: • Heat signature: When subjected to energetic friction or hot water, it releases the characteristic sharp odor of formaldehyde, a fundamental test that authenticates its era and excludes acrylic or lucite reproductions. • Shine and natural oxidation: Over nearly a century, the surface has developed a delicate, warm patina while retaining a unique gloss and feel. • Molecular density: With its reduced specific density, it keeps the seal’s weight extremely light (only about 11 g total for the entire object), ensuring ergonomic handling and balance during writing that real stone could never offer. This type of marbled bakelite, used in combination with precious metals for small luxury objects, today represents a highly sought-after investment category in 20th-century design collecting. Era and High-Epoque “Matrimony” The object represents a fascinating high-era “marriage” or a custom atelier assembly: the precious late 19th-century Parisian vermeil base meets the modernity of a geometric bakelite handle in full Art Deco taste. The lower matrix bears a noble monogram with intertwined initials ("M" and "C"), finely engraved by hand in a mirror-like Art Nouveau style. Original Case and Proportions The lot includes its original period rigid case, externally covered in midnight blue leather/pressed cardboard and internally lined with vibrant orange velvet and silk. The snap closure works perfectly. The proportions are ideal for desk ergonomics: total height 8 cm. Condition Excellent general condition, consistent with age and historical use. The bakelite is intact, polished, without stringing or chips. The vermeil gilding shows a beautiful, genuine patina of the time with slight underlying silver exposure at the highest relief points, enhancing its authenticity. The matrix retains fascinating historical wax residues. Case is solid with normal and light external edge wear. Technical Sheet (to be completed in Catawiki’s specific fields) • Object type: Desk accessory / Wax seal • Main material: Vermeil (800 silver gold-plated) and marbled Bakelite/Catalin • Stamp: Boar head (France, 800 Silver) • Metal fineness: Silver minimum 800/1000 with high-title gold gilding (18k-24k) • Era/Style: Late 19th century / Art Deco (1890-1920) • Country of origin: France (Paris) • Height: 8 cm • Total weight: approx. 11 g • Inscription/Monogram: Yes, interlaced initials "MC" • Included accessories: Original rigid velvet and silk case

Estimate:$168.55

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