Elegant 1897 Victorian Sterling Silver & Antelope Horn Gimbal Table Cigar Lighter

Exceptional Victorian Sterling Silver & Antelope Horn Gimbal Cigar Lighter – Joseph Braham, London, 1897 An authentic, late-Victorian luxury smoking accessory combining exotic natural materials with English silversmithing excellence. Features a self-leveling gimbal mechanism designed to keep the flame upright. ________________________________________ Key Specifications • Period: Victorian (1837–1901) • Silversmith: Joseph Braham • Origin: London, England • Date Letter: 1897 • Materials: Sterling Silver (.925) and Natural Antelope Horn ________________________________________ Dimensions • Length: 18 ½ inches (47 cm) • Width: 3 inches (7.5 cm) • Height: 2 ½ inches (6.5 cm) ________________________________________ Condition Report • Overall: Good antique condition with character. • Hallmarks: Clearly marked on the spherical lighter and frame; collar is unmarked. • Wear: General surface marks, minor scratches, and rubbing consistent with age and regular use. • Notable Damage: The very tip of the antelope horn is broken off (visible upon inspection, typical for natural materials of this age). ________________________________________ Product Description This striking late-Victorian cigar lighter is a premier example of 19th-century English novelty smoking ephemera. Crafted by renowned silversmith Joseph Braham in London in 1897, the piece utilizes a sweeping, natural antelope horn as its elegant base and handle. Mounted at the apex is a sterling silver spherical lighter resting within a gimbal (gimble) frame. This clever mechanism allows the lighter to swiveling freely, ensuring the flame remains perfectly upright and spill-proof during use. A sophisticated centerpiece for any library, office, or tobacciana collection. Embodying the innovative spirit and exquisite craftsmanship of the late 19th century, this antique Victorian solid silver and horn-mounted table "gimbal" cigar lighter is a true masterpiece of form and function. Crafted by the renowned silversmith Joseph Braham in London, 1897, this remarkable statement piece features a large, sweeping Blackbuck antelope horn as its dramatic focal point. The horn is elegantly mounted with a solid sterling silver orb-shaped burner. This burner utilizes an ingenious gimbal swivel mechanism, which ensures the lit wick remains perfectly upright no matter how the lighter is angled, passed, or carried across a room. Resting on gracefully scrolled silver supports, this captivating objet d’art bridges the gap between mechanical innovation and high-end luxury. As an authentic antique, it wears its history with pride. Centuries of use have left a gentle patina, including minor surface scratches, rubbing, and a small historic loss to the very tip of the horn—adding to its storied, old-world charm. Exquisite Gifting Ideas • The Ultimate Executive Gift: An extraordinary, high-status addition to a corporate office or C-suite desk. It speaks to tradition, legacy, and a taste for the finer things in life. • For the Discerning Cigar Lover: Elevate the ritual of smoking. This lighter is the ultimate conversation starter for a private smoking lounge, cigar bar, or humidor room. • The Serious Antique Collector: A rare find for collectors of Victorian novelty silver, mechanical tobacciana, or unique late-19th-century English hallmarked pieces. • A One-of-a-Kind Milestone Present: A memorable luxury gift for holiday seasons, high-profile retirement celebrations, or a sophisticated housewarming gesture for an estate home. ________________________________________ Luxury Styling & Placement Suggestions This highly versatile, dynamic piece adds instant sculptural drama, movement, and a sophisticated edge to any upscale interior design scheme: • The Executive Desk or Library Console: Position this beautiful garniture atop a stack of leather-bound books or next to a high-end humidor to anchor an office space with sensuous richness and old-world gravitas. • The Entrance Table: Welcome guests by placing this striking object center stage on a foyer credenza, creating an immediate focal point of historical curiosity. • Living Room Bookshelves & Dressers: Nestled into a bespoke bookshelf or styled on a dark wood dresser, the contrasting textures of polished silver and natural horn break up rigid lines with artistic tension and exuberance. • The Gentlemen's Bar Corner: Position it on a side table next to crystal decanters and lowball glasses to evoke the timeless ambiance of a 19th-century London private members' club.