An American Silver Cigar Lighter, Edward C. Moore for Tiffany & Co., New York, circa 1860

formed as a circular base with guilloche border from which four satyr head brackets project at intervals below a cigar holder supported by a central shaft with shaped apron punctuated by classical cameos and hanged with chain link swags and dangling beads, all topped by an urn-shaped cigar lighter flanked by two fully modeled figures of Hercules, the lighter fitted for four removable rams-head lighters and engraved with presentation inscription, marked on base and numbered 1017

central shaft missing one bolt on underside, a little overall wear, otherwise good condition
In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective qualified opinion.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.

The presentation inscription reads: "August Belmont To his Faithful Friend Charles Christmas" on one side and the date March 13th 1860 on the other.

Charles Christmas was a prominent New York banker, who for many years served as cheif manager of the banking firm Prime, Ward & King located at 42 Wall Street.  In 1834 Christmas left the firm to establish his own practice with Robert I. Livingston.  The firm Christmas & Livingston was opened at 44 Wall Street, just down the block from Christmas' previous employer.  The following year the partnership expanded to include Rufus Prime and Washington Costner, and the firm's name was thus changed to Christmas, Livingston, Prime & Coster Brokers and Bankers.  Recognized for his talent, experience and integrity, Christmas was eventually enticed to leave the firm he founded and join the house of August Belmont & Company as a partner. 

This firm was founded by Belmont in 1837, when he arrived in America to be manager of the Rothschild interests.  In the wake of the Panic of 1837, the firm established itself as one of the leading houses in New York.  In 1860, the year of this cigar lighter, Belmont was named Chairman of the Democratic National Committee for the party's second convention, in Baltimore, after the slavery issue had disrupted the first attempt in Charleston.