What-is-it question CLXII.

What was this used for? - PHOTO REQUIRED
2209patrick
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What-is-it question CLXII.

Postby 2209patrick » Sat Aug 15, 2009 3:52 pm

This Russian piece was made in 1878.
Decorated with red, white and blue champleve enameling.
My estimate of the height is 10 inches ( 25.4 cm.)

What was it called or used for?

Image

Pat.
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2209patrick
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Postby 2209patrick » Mon Aug 17, 2009 7:27 pm

Here's a clue: the top part is a taperstick.
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JLDoggett
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Postby JLDoggett » Tue Aug 18, 2009 11:37 am

At first I thought a cigar server, cigars in the opening, taper to light them, liveried servent carrying it from gentleman to gentleman around the table... however: why would a cigar server need what appear to be inkwells on either side so my next thought is a note dispencer. Paper in the center compartment, inkwells on the sides, possibly an opening on the upright element (in front of the taper) to hold a pen, taper used to heat a stick od sealing wax. But where is the holder for the sealing wax? And if it is for a desk, why the handle on the back?
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2209patrick
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Postby 2209patrick » Tue Aug 18, 2009 1:36 pm

Hi Jim.

Your first instinct was correct. My reference calls it a "Smoker's Companion".

The two small containers on each side are for vestas and small tapers.
The hollow base held the cigars or cheroots.
The small device in the middle of everything ( see picture below ) is a guillotine cigar cutter.

Image

Pat.
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dognose
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Postby dognose » Tue Aug 18, 2009 7:04 pm

Hi Pat,

Do you think this item is missing its lid? Surely the cigars would dry up if stored without one.

Regards Trev.
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2209patrick
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Postby 2209patrick » Tue Aug 18, 2009 7:45 pm

Hi Trev.

Agree a lid would be necessary if cigars were stored here all the time.
However, the book does not mention a missing lid.
It may have just been used occasionally for short periods of time.

Here's a quote from my reference: "The angular handle makes the companion easy to carry from room to room or pass around the table".
I get the impression this was used when the owner had guests.
Probably brought this piece out to impress them.

Have never smoked a Russian cigar. Don't know what they were made of or how.
If they were dry-cured they would not need to be humidified. In a cold, dry climate, that is very possible.

Pat.
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dognose
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Postby dognose » Wed Aug 19, 2009 5:12 am

Hi Pat,

Yes, that would make sense. Many thanks.

Regards Trev.
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