Lot 328: A COLLECTION OF ART DECO CASED CELLULOID DESK WRITING SETS WITH BAKELITE HANDLES

A collection of three vintage desk writing sets, possibly of French origin, dating from the mid-20th century. Each set is presented in its original fitted and lined presentation case and features components manufactured from various types of faceted marbled or swirled celluloid.

The first set is housed in a rectangular case covered in white faux-crocodile skin material with a cream-coloured silk and velvet lining. The set comprises a letter opener with a gold-toned metal blade and faceted celluloid handle, a mechanical pencil with a conical metal tip and threaded top cap, a tapered dip pen holder, and a hand seal with a brass matrix. The celluloid is a translucent dark burgundy and amber swirled pattern with a high-gloss finish.

The second set is contained within a shaped red presentation case with an asymmetrical lid and yellow lining. It includes a solid celluloid letter opener with a wide flat blade, a dip pen with a gold-tone nib, a mechanical pencil with a gold-tone tip, a hand seal with a brass matrix, and a small metal scraper tool. The handles are crafted from opaque red and brown mottled tortoiseshell effect celluloid.

The third set is presented in a rectangular case with a brown and black checkered exterior and yellow lining. It includes a letter opener with a gold-toned metal blade, a dip pen with a gold-tone nib, a mechanical pencil with a black conical tip, a hand seal, and a scraper tool. The celluloid handles feature a marbled red and amber pattern designed to imitate burled wood.