This is a French silverplate 'Art Deco' style, table matchbox holder, dating to the 1950's, by the French fashion house 'Christian Dior'.

The front of the holder has a stunning 'sunburst' design, with the pattern radiating from a mounted, sapphire coloured glass 'stone', cut en cabachon.

The sides are plain, and the holder sits on 4 squared feet.

The base is fully marked with 'Christian Dior' , Made in France, the Makers mark in a square cartouche, and another square cartouche with the number '4' (indicating the thickness of the plate). There is also another mark on the base of one foot - Please see photos

The dimensions are (approx) 10.5cm x 7.5cm x 2cm (4.2" x 3" x 0.8").

Condition is excellent for age. There is very, very light rubbing to a small part of the plating, just above the 'cabochon' (see magnified photos).

The cabochon mount stands about 1mm proud at the front, but this is due to the manufacture & in no way a fault or detraction.

All in all, an excellent 'Art Deco' style piece, with a very high quality construction, finish & design, that one would expect from Christian Dior.