Tiffany & Co. Paris 1916 French Table Petrol Lighter Jasper Sterling Silver

Table petrol lighter designed by Tiffany Co. A very unusual table petrol lighter, created in Paris France by Tiffany Co. back in the 1916. This is an extremely rare table lighter has been crafted in solid .900/.999 silver and carved Orbicular Ocean Jasper. Mounted in a round dentilated flat base and fitted with a chained lid. Gemstones: The main body of the lighter is carved from one single piece of rare Orbicular Ocean Jasper from Madagascar. Birthstone: For the month of April 20 to May 20 Weight: 226.50 Grams, (145.19 Dwt). Measurements: 47 mm by 47 mm by  (1.85 x 1.85 x 3.75 Inches). Hallmarks: Stamped with French marks, the maker's maitre mark EM inside a lozange cartouche, the brand name mark, the French tax plaque Ministere Des Finances with monogram CI and signed, "TIFFANY CO. PARIS". Ministere Des Finances Lighter Tax 1911-1945 Note: On 10th December 1910 the French state adopted a new tax regulations on all devices indented to produce spark or fire by friction, or by any other means, and of the combustion of a flammable substance. Since 1st January 1911 every lighter in France that was intended for sale in the French market had to be taxed and adequately marked. To confirm that the excise duty was paid to the Ministry of Finance a special duty metal plate (stamp) was attached (usually welded) to the lighter by the lighter manufacturers. The fees charged by the French state were high but the tax rates levied by the state were varying depending