Dimensions (cm): 25 x 16 x 6

Year: 1880

A rare North European late 19th century silver and ivory tusk Novelty cigar cutter, probably German, of naturally curved form, cast with the head of a boar with red glass eyes, a button on the underside of the head releasing the cutter.
Cigar smoking became so popular in the second half of the 19th century among gentlemen in England and France that European trains introduced smoking cars to accommodate them, and hotels and clubs boasted smoking rooms. The after-dinner cigar, accompanied by glasses of port or brandy, also became a tradition in this period. This ritual was given an added boost by the fact that the Prince of Wales, the future King Edward VII and a leader of fashion, was a devotee, much to the annoyance of his mother, Queen Victoria, who disliked smoking.

Our rare, cleverly designed and well-cast Novelty Cutter is thus emblematic of those days and would have been made for use by a gentleman in his country house or club.

Bar Code: 10028