Mechanical lighter lighter silver - Pocket lighter - Silver, Gold-plated - (2)

Mechanical lighter "permanent match". The mechanism works by filling the case with light gasoline; the removable metal rod is equipped at the top with a cotton textile wick (impregnated with fuel) and a black pyrophoric core (artificial flint). Ignition is achieved by scraping the rod against the serrated hardened steel blade, positioned on the base of the case. Case execution: The main case is made entirely of high-purity solid silver. The exterior finish is worked exclusively by hand using the hammered silver technique, presenting fine alveoli obtained by repeated striking with a jeweler's hammer. This finish specific to the Arts & Crafts / Art Deco style offers excellent adhesion and naturally masks wear. The silver was chemically tested with a professional potassium dichromate solution, instantly reacting in an intense red-garnet hue, confirming the high purity of the metal. Fiscal Mark (State Excise): An official heraldic plaque from the era is applied to the body of the case, bearing the inscription "MINIST. FINANC." (Ministry of Finance) and the central emblem of the Belgian Rampant Lion. This mark authenticates the payment of the luxury tax on lighters imposed by the Kingdom of Belgium during the interwar period, giving the object a rare historical documentary value.2. Watch Chain (Model, Structure and Links)Chain type: Men's vest chain model "Single Albert Chain", with a total length of 23 cm, the ideal standard size of the era for attaching to the vest buttonhole.Purity of the metal: The official continental hallmark "800" is applied to the connecting links, which certifies the composition of solid silver (800/1000), along with a circular state control hallmark.Decorative technique (Tula Niello Tricolor): The chain presents an extremely elaborate aesthetic, combining three chromatic effects:Large oval links: They are decorated using the Niello (Tula) technique, with a complex geometric pattern in the form of a black silver sulfide mesh/checkers, obtained by incision and melting.Inner inserts: In the center of each large oval link is a filigree element made of silver wire blown with pink gold, manually bent in the shape of a figure-eight knot (the infinity symbol), giving three-dimensional depth to the piece.The links Link: They are Curb link links (twisted and beveled on the edges to lie flat on clothes), finished with a fine film of yellow gold (vermeil). 3. Main Spring RingThe chain connects to the vest through a massive spring ring, symmetrically decorated along the entire circumference with parallel stripes in the Niello technique. The ring joints and the movable opening rod are accentuated with decorative rose gold (or rose gold-plated silver) sleeves, preserving the tricolor chromatic unity of the entire assembly. The connection between the ring and the rest of the chain is made through a blind round link, with a pivot role, designed to prevent twisting or blocking of the large links during movement. Evaluation and State of ConservationCondition: Excellent, museum piece. All components are original, without replaced links, modern repairs or modifications. It features a gorgeous natural silver patina in the recessed areas, which highlights the Niello engraving.