Vintage Hermès Engine-Turned Silver-Gilt Multitool Cigar Cutter
Smoking Accessory / Pocket Multitool · Hermès (Paris), an iconic luxury house founded in 1837, originally as a harness workshop. They are world-renowned for their high-end craftsmanship in leather, jewelry, and lifestyle accessories.
Pattern: Guilloché Clous de Paris (Engine-turned hobnail pattern), part of their mid-century luxury gentleman's accessory line.
Type
Smoking Accessory / Pocket Multitool
Maker
Hermès (Paris), an iconic luxury house founded in 1837, originally as a harness workshop. They are world-renowned for their high-end craftsmanship in leather, jewelry, and lifestyle accessories.
Material
Vermeil (Sterling Silver with 18k or 24k Gold plating) or high-grade Silver-Gilt over Brass; the internal blades and tools are high-carbon stainless steel.
Dimensions
Estimated at 7.5 cm (closed length) x 2.5 cm (width), weighing approximately 45-60 grams. It is designed to be pocket-portable and fits a standard cigar gauge.
Description
An exquisite example of mid-century gentleman's 'everyday carry,' this Hermès multitool represents the pinnacle of smoking luxury. Its primary function as a cigar cutter is complemented by auxiliary blades, all encased in a stunning gold-washed silver frame decorated with a classic cross-hatch pattern.
Key Features
Integrated finger loop integrated into the sliding blade mechanism; triple-tool functionality; 'France Depose' stamp; signature Hermès gold-over-silver aesthetic.
Material & Composition
Vermeil (Sterling Silver with 18k or 24k Gold plating) or high-grade Silver-Gilt over Brass; the internal blades and tools are high-carbon stainless steel.
Finish & Decoration
Engine-turned (guilloché) 'Clous de Paris' pattern on the body, providing a textured, light-reflective surface. The item features a rich yellow gold-gilt finish.
Hallmarks & Stamps
Stamped 'FRANCE DEPOSE' in a circular mark on the sliding blade. May contain Hermès Paris maker marks and silver purity hallmarks (Minerva head) on the side edges or interior frame.
Construction Details
Precision-engineered mechanical assembly with riveted side panels. The guilloché panels are applied over a structural frame containing a sliding guillotine and fold-out tools.
Functional Features
Includes a sliding 'guillotine' style cigar cutter with a finger loop, a small folding penknife blade, and a slender tamper/piercer tool for cigar maintenance.
Handle & Grip Details
The entire body acts as the grip, featuring a tactile engine-turned surface to prevent slipping and a curved bottom for ergonomic comfort.
Craftsmanship Details
The machine-assisted engine turning is exceptionally precise, ensuring uniform square-based pyramids. The fitment between the frame and the sliding blade shows very tight tolerances typical of French luxury manufacturing.
Authentication Indicators
The crispness of the 'Clous de Paris' engine turning; the specific circular 'FRANCE DEPOSE' stamp font; and the quality of the rivets are consistent with vintage Hermès production.
Origin & Manufacturing
Paris, France. Manufactured either in Hermès’ own workshops or by a specialized French silversmith/cutler for the brand (such as Ravinet d'Enfert or Victorinox subcontractors for Hermès).
Era & Period
Mid-Century Modern (c. 1950-1970). This period emphasized high-precision mechanical objects that combined luxury materials with practical utility.
Age Estimate
Circa 1955-1965, based on the 'DEPOSE' (registered) marking and the specific style of the engine-turned decoration.
Cultural Significance
Reflects the post-war European lifestyle of the 'Jet Set,' where luxury brands expanded into personal accessories to provide a cohesive aesthetic for the discerning traveler.
Condition Notes
Very Good/Excellent. Minor surface abrasions on the stainless steel blade. The gilt finish shows minimal thinning, and the mechanical action appears crisp. No significant dings or dents to the soft outer metal.
Value Estimate
$400 - $850 USD depending on the specific hallmarks present and the clarity of the Hermès brand stamp. Pristine examples with original boxes can exceed $1,000 at auction.
Care & Maintenance
Avoid chemical silver dips which can strip the gold gilding (vermeil). Use a soft polishing cloth specifically for gold/silver. Lubricate the hinges with a tiny drop of mineral oil if stiff.
Similar Pieces
Tiffany & Co. also produced engine-turned silver cigar cutters, typically with simpler linear patterns. Cartier offered similar tools often featuring lacquer or gemstone accents.
Interesting Facts
Hermès began producing these smoking tools during the 'Golden Age of Cigars' when accessories were as much a statement of status as the cigars themselves. These are often called 'Cigar Knives' in catalog references.