Promotional item - De Dion-Bouton - Fermacarte commemorativo 25.000 motori - 1901
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This 1901 De Dion-Bouton promotional object is a 12 cm commemorative paperweight depicting an engine and celebrating 25,000 engines produced.
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Description from the seller
A rare and fine early 20th-century commemorative desktop scale model and paperweight depicting the legendary single-cylinder engine manufactured by De Dion-Bouton, the pioneering French marque that dominated early automotive production at the turn of the 20th century.
Historical Context:
Following their resounding success at the 1900 Paris Universal Exposition (Exposition Universelle), De Dion-Bouton commissioned this refined promotional series to celebrate reaching the extraordinary production milestone of 25,000 engines. Rather than a toy, this model was created as an exclusive desk object presented to company directors, regional dealers, engineers, and key clients around 1901.
The piece stands as a masterwork of early industrial casting, manufactured by the renowned Société des Alliages Cothias using their patented chill-casting technique (Procédés de Fonte Bts S.G.D.G.). The perimeter of the base is proudly embossed with the era's trademark defense statement: "Déposé - Exécuté 25 000 fois - Tous l'ont copié - Aucun ne l'a égalé" (Registered - Executed 25,000 times - All have copied it - None has matched it).
Condition & Preservation:
The item is in excellent overall condition, retaining its original period patina:
Casting & Surface Finish: The original two-tone alloy finish (bright metal casing against the dark cylinder and base) remains untouched, free from aggressive cleaning or restoration.
Inscriptions: All cast lettering — including the front badge "De Dion Bouton 1901", technical patent markings, and the motto running around the base — remains remarkably sharp, crisp, and fully legible.
Casting Porosity / Pitting: Minor natural casting porosity (pitting) is visible on the upper cylinder head. This is an authentic period feature typical of early 1900s Cothias alloy casting techniques rather than post-factory damage.
Top Nut / Stud Condition: Please note that the top threaded stud/nut on the cylinder head displays an authentic period imperfection (appears slightly deformed or sheared at the top tip, as highlighted in the detailed close-up photos). It remains stable, fully original, and does not compromise the structure or display value.
Structure: Solid, heavy, and complete with minor age-appropriate wear consistent with a 120+ year-old industrial artifact.
Dimensions:
Total height: 12 cm (approx. 4.7 inches)
The item will be securely packaged and shipped with full tracking and insurance.
A rare and fine early 20th-century commemorative desktop scale model and paperweight depicting the legendary single-cylinder engine manufactured by De Dion-Bouton, the pioneering French marque that dominated early automotive production at the turn of the 20th century.
Historical Context:
Following their resounding success at the 1900 Paris Universal Exposition (Exposition Universelle), De Dion-Bouton commissioned this refined promotional series to celebrate reaching the extraordinary production milestone of 25,000 engines. Rather than a toy, this model was created as an exclusive desk object presented to company directors, regional dealers, engineers, and key clients around 1901.
The piece stands as a masterwork of early industrial casting, manufactured by the renowned Société des Alliages Cothias using their patented chill-casting technique (Procédés de Fonte Bts S.G.D.G.). The perimeter of the base is proudly embossed with the era's trademark defense statement: "Déposé - Exécuté 25 000 fois - Tous l'ont copié - Aucun ne l'a égalé" (Registered - Executed 25,000 times - All have copied it - None has matched it).
Condition & Preservation:
The item is in excellent overall condition, retaining its original period patina:
Casting & Surface Finish: The original two-tone alloy finish (bright metal casing against the dark cylinder and base) remains untouched, free from aggressive cleaning or restoration.
Inscriptions: All cast lettering — including the front badge "De Dion Bouton 1901", technical patent markings, and the motto running around the base — remains remarkably sharp, crisp, and fully legible.
Casting Porosity / Pitting: Minor natural casting porosity (pitting) is visible on the upper cylinder head. This is an authentic period feature typical of early 1900s Cothias alloy casting techniques rather than post-factory damage.
Top Nut / Stud Condition: Please note that the top threaded stud/nut on the cylinder head displays an authentic period imperfection (appears slightly deformed or sheared at the top tip, as highlighted in the detailed close-up photos). It remains stable, fully original, and does not compromise the structure or display value.
Structure: Solid, heavy, and complete with minor age-appropriate wear consistent with a 120+ year-old industrial artifact.
Dimensions:
Total height: 12 cm (approx. 4.7 inches)
The item will be securely packaged and shipped with full tracking and insurance.
Details
Type
Promotional item
Number of objects
1
Year
1901
Brand
De Dion-Bouton
Condition
Very good
Model
Fermacarte commemorativo 25.000 motori
Height
12 cm
Authenticity
Original/official
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