Donatus Solingen Nichtrostend D.B. Pat. 815417 Dual-Cut Cigar Cutter, circa 1951

Welcome to Pipe Collectors Encyclopedia, your premier destination for museum-quality estate pipes with comprehensive historical and technical documentation. IDENTIFICATION This is a Donatus Solingen dual-cut cigar cutter manufactured in West Germany circa 1951, marked with German Federal Patent 815417 and designated 'Nichtrostend' (non-rusting stainless steel). The piece represents post-war Solingen craftsmanship applied to tobacco accessories during the mid-twentieth century cigar renaissance. HISTORICAL CONTEXT Solingen, Germany's legendary blade-making center since the 13th century, emerged from post-World War II recovery as a global leader in precision cutlery. Donatus operated as a respected Solingen brand specializing in high-end tobacco accessories throughout the 1950s-1960s, competing alongside makers like Pfeilring. German Federal Patent 815417, filed by inventor Erhard Jauch on December 5, 1948, and published October 1, 1951, introduced a revolutionary dual-mechanism design enabling both wedge and flat cuts in one compact tool. These cutters were produced and exported internationally during the cigar boom, combining traditional forging techniques with modern patent innovation for superior durability and functionality. GRADING AND MARKS - Maker stamp: 'DONATUS' - Origin mark: 'SOLINGEN' - Material designation: 'NICHTROSTEND' (stainless steel) - Patent reference: 'D.B. PAT. 815417' - Finish grade: polished stainless with original patina - Condition: New Old Stock, unused SHAPE ANALYSIS The cutter employs a dual-blade mechanism: a V-shaped wedge blade for notched incisions enhancing draw and flavor, paired with a circular flat-cut opening measuring approximately 0.5 inches in diameter. The overall form factor is compact and pocket-friendly, typical of mid-century German precision tool design. BRIAR AND FINISH Not applicable. This is a stainless steel tobacco accessory rather than a briar pipe. The finish is polished stainless with minor surface patina consistent with 70-year-old New Old Stock inventory. CONDITION REPORT Overall grade: Mint New Old Stock. The cutter displays no signs of use, handling wear, or oxidation. Both blade mechanisms function smoothly. Original factory finish intact. No repairs or modifications evident. Exceptional preservation for a piece of this age. DIMENSIONS - Overall length: to be confirmed - Blade opening (flat cut): approximately 0.5 inches diameter - Blade opening (wedge cut): to be confirmed - Weight: to be confirmed - Material: Stainless steel (Nichtrostend) CLOSING This cutter ships from the Faridunhill archive with worldwide delivery available. Professional sanitation and detailed condition photography included with every acquisition. SKU: SKU-321