Sterling Silver & Blackbuck Antelope Horn Dragon Table Lighter - Antique Victorian (1897)

This magnificent and rare antique Victorian cast sterling silver table lighter has been realistically modelled in the form of a dragon.

The large body of the dragon is fitted with an impressive blackbuck antelope horn, creating an undulating ribbed formation and supported with a hallmarked cast sterling silver pair of hind legs.

This anterior portion of the cigar lighter is ornamented with a hallmarked sterling silver mount modelled in the form of a dragon's torso and wings embellished with details replicating the skin, scales and anatomical features.

The dragon's chest retains the original detachable hallmarked taper holder; this feature is modelled in the form of an arrow, piercing the dragon's heart.

The piece is further embellished with a taper cover, secured to the creature's leg via a round link chain.

This magnificent antique silver dragon lighter is a superior gauge of silver, exceptional quality and in exceptional condition.

The cast decoration is very sharp.

Full hallmarks struck to the wing of the dragon, in addition to part hallmarks to the taper holder and underside of the hind legs are all very clear; the hallmarks are struck deeply due to the exceptional gauge of silver.

Reflections in photographs may detract from the true representation of this magnificent antelope horn table lighter dragon.

Length 55.4cm/21.81"

Width 8.2cm/3.23"

Height 15cm/5.91"

21.3 troy ounces/663.0g (including horn)