Albert Decaris, Cigar Box Copper Engraving Winter Circa 1900

An antique cigar box in rosewood and bakelite grip. Decorated with a copper plate engraved by Albert Decaris, published by Marcel Quercia, series Les 4 Saisons: l'Hiver, limited edition of 300 pieces and 5 non-commercial engravings numbered from A to E. This box bears the number 017. Period: circa 1900. Dimensions: 23 x 18 x 5 cm; weight 0.610 kg. Good condition. Albert Marius Hippolyte Decaris (1901 – 1988), French painter, decorator and engraver. A renowned engraver, he also worked in watercolor and ink wash, often to prepare his engravings, and engraved numerous postage stamps. Javier Quercia, goldsmith, founded his workshop for the manufacture of boxes and goldsmithing in 1890, in the Marais district of Paris. In 1908, the Quercia company marketed Flamidor, the first classic petrol lighters. In 1924, Marcel Quercia, Janvier's son, diversified the products by purchasing the Flaminaire and Abdulla brands, and developed the branch of smokers' items (lighters and pipes). The Flaminaire brand lasted until the 1980s; the company, after changes of ownership, closed in 1993.