This is a Victorian figural cigar or cheroot cutter in the form of a Champagne bottle, and dating to circa. 1890.

To operate the cutter, the top (designed as a foil covered cork with a ring to attach to an Albert chain),is turned which releases the spring loaded 'label'/cutter. The cigar is then placed in the bottom of the bottle & the sprung label is then depressed.

The label is impressed with 'FINANCIAL TIMES'.

This newspaper was launched on Jan 9th 1888 as the London Financial Guide, but changed its name to Financial Times on Feb 13th 1888 - this cutter certainly dates to around this period & is an early example of a promotional or advertising item.

The cutter is made of Brass & Steel & is in excellent original condition, with a strong spring action, remarkable for it's 117 years.

The cutter measures approx 5cm tall & 1.3cm wide (at the bottom).