"The Rifleman" Pen nib Box - Blanzy-Poure and Co.

A rare Blanzy-Poure pen nibs box illustrated with a French rifleman in colonial uniform, rifle slung over his shoulder, in an oriental-inspired setting typical of the Indochina and North African campaigns. This patriotic and military iconography, very popular at the end of the 19th century, reflects the exotic outlook of the era and the power of French industry. The label, richly colored and framed with a neo-Gothic motif, is well preserved. The box contains a mixture of antique, non-original nibs.

✦ Origin: Boulogne-sur-Mer, France
✦ Estimated period: Circa 1885–1900
✦ Dimensions: 7 × 4.5 × 1.5 cm
✦ Material: Lithographed cardboard
✦ Contents: Mixture of various pen nibs 
✦ Condition: Good overall condition, bright and legible label, some signs of wear on the edges, clean interior

An icon of Belle Époque industrial patriotism, this box is among the most sought-after in the Blanzy-Poure series for its colonial design and historical significance.