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Charming pair of antique French figural place card holders, each featuring a tiny enameled figure in colorful period dress mounted on an oval brass-tone metal base. One figure wears blue and carries a large yellow bundle, while the other is dressed in brown and yellow with knee breeches and a tricorn-style hat. Narrow spring clips behind the figures were designed to hold individual name cards or small menu cards at the table. Both bases are stamped MADE IN FRANCE. These miniature figural holders are characteristic of French table accessories made around the turn of the 20th century and would be wonderful in a collection of antique tableware, French enamel, or miniatures.
Details:
Age Estimate: c. 1900–1925
Brand/Maker: Unknown
Country of Origin: France
Dimensions: Approx. 1.25" high; bases approx. 1" x 5/8" each
Material: Enameled metal, brass-tone metal
Weight: Less than 1 oz total
Color: Blue, brown, yellow, white and multicolor
Style: French / Figural / Belle Époque–Early 20th Century
Mark: “MADE IN FRANCE” stamped on underside
Quantity: 2
CONDITION: FAIR to GOOD
(Poor-->Fair-->Good-->Very Good-->Excellent-->Mint):
5.5/10 – Fair to Good antique condition with age-related wear and patina. Some enamel loss on the figure in blue. The metal bases and card clips have darkening, oxidation and surface wear, with light wear and small losses along the edges of the enameled figures. There are old surface marks and discoloration to the undersides, including remnants of writing/marking on one base. Both figural fronts and card-holding clips remain present.
