CTS Solingen Germany Gold-Tone Mini V-Cut Cigar Cutter, 1950s-1960s

Welcome to Pipe Collectors Encyclopedia, your premier destination for museum-quality estate pipes with comprehensive historical and technical documentation. IDENTIFICATION This is a vintage CTS Solingen mini V-cut cigar cutter in gold-tone finish, manufactured in Germany during the 1950s-1960s mid-century period. The piece represents post-World War II German cutlery craftsmanship applied to tobacco accessories. Presented new in original box, a rarity in estate tobacciana. HISTORICAL CONTEXT Solingen's blade-making tradition dates to the 13th century, built on regional iron ore deposits, water power, and organized guild systems. By the 19th century, Solingen became Europe's premier cutlery center, with protected geographic designation under German law. The CTS brand emerged in the post-1945 period, specializing in portable tobacco tools for export markets. The 1950s-1960s represented peak mid-century modern design-functional innovation married to elegant aesthetics. CTS cutters were stamped 'Foreign' to denote international distribution during the global tobacco trade boom. GRADING & MARKS - Maker stamp: CTS (visible) - Origin mark: Solingen Germany (stamped) - Finish: Gold-tone plating - Condition grade: Mint in original box - No country restriction marks visible - V-cut blade profile (cigar-specific design) SHAPE ANALYSIS Mini portable format with compact footprint designed for travel or pocket carry. V-cut blade geometry cuts a wedge notch for cigar lighting. Hinged lever action mechanism typical of mid-century portable cutters. Single-hand operation. BRIAR & FINISH Not applicable-this is a metal tobacco accessory, not a briar pipe. Gold-tone plating over base metal (likely brass or steel). Finish remains pristine with factory sheen from original packaging. CONDITION REPORT Overall grade: Mint/New in Box. Original packaging intact and original. No wear, patina, or use marks detected. Blade sharp and functional. Hinge mechanism tight. Factory condition preserved. DIMENSIONS - Length: To be confirmed (compact mini format) - Width: To be confirmed - Height: To be confirmed - Blade type: V-cut wedge - Weight: To be confirmed - Format: Hinged portable cutter CLOSING Ships from Faridunhill archive with professional documentation and worldwide delivery. Includes original packaging. Ready for display or active collection use. SKU: SKU-312