Vintage Art Nouveau celluloid Provençal cicada letter opener, France, ca. 1940
Vintage Art Nouveau celluloid Provençal cicada letter opener, France, ca. 1940
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Vintage French letter opener made of translucent synthetic material, possibly celluloid, with a decorative cicada on the handle. It features an elongated, pointed blade in amber, honey, and brown tones, with color variations that add depth to the piece. The cicada is depicted with a dark body, finely crafted wings, and raised details, accompanied by openwork side elements that complete the composition.
Desk piece of Provençal origin, dated approximately to around 1940, with a naturalistic design influenced by Art Nouveau. The cicada, a traditional symbol of Provence and the French Mediterranean landscape, was a recurring motif in small decorative objects and personal accessories. Its format and ornamentation make it a representative piece of regional decorative craftsmanship from the mid-20th century.
- Style: Art Nouveau, naturalistic inspiration
- Origin: Provence, France
- Period/Dating: Mid-20th century, ca. 1940
- Decoration/Motif: Provençal cicada
- Dimensions: Length 12.2 cm × maximum width 1.8 cm
- Materials: Translucent synthetic material in amber and brown tones, possibly celluloid
- Weight: 7.26 g
These items are not new; they show signs of wear and may have scratches and imperfections characteristic of their age and use. Please examine the photos carefully. We offer an accurate description; if you need to confirm a detail, please write to us before purchasing.
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Things you should know
Things you should know
What you are buying (important)
We sell antique and vintage items, not new or freshly manufactured products. Due to their age and previous use, they may show signs of wear, marks, scratches, small losses, or variations typical of the passage of time. These characteristics are common in pieces with history and are part of their condition.
We recommend that you review the photographs carefully, as they show the actual condition of the piece. If you need to confirm any details before purchasing, please write to us.
Photos and color
The photographs are taken with artificial light, so the color may vary slightly depending on your screen and lighting. If color is a deciding factor for you, we can send you additional photographs taken in natural light to get as close as possible to the true tone.
Patina and cleaning
Many pieces have a patina as a natural consequence of the passage of time. We do not remove it, as it may have taken decades to form and, in many cases, contributes to the character and appearance of the piece.
If you decide to clean or polish a piece, do so with caution and keeping the material in mind. Improper cleaning can alter its surface, patina, appearance, and in some cases, its value. If you need guidance on cleaning a specific material, contact us and we will help you.
Customer service
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