Vintage advertising pencil holder "Au Signal du Nord"

A discreet and charming testament to early 20th-century local advertising, this pocket pencil holder combines a paper advertising sleeve protected under celluloid with a small removable pencil. It bears the inscription "Au Signal du Nord" as well as the address of Monchy, rue de Compiègne, recalling the local businesses that distributed these utilitarian items to their customers. This type of advertising medium was particularly widespread between 1900 and 1930 but is now uncommon when it retains its original casing.

✦ Provenance: Monchy (France), "Au Signal du Nord" shop
✦ Estimated period: Early 20th century
✦ Dimensions: approx. 9 cm
✦ Material: Nickel-plated metal
✦ Condition: Good overall condition, wear and yellowing from use, legible inscriptions, original pencil present

A small regional advertising object that perfectly illustrates the commercial practices of neighborhood businesses in the early 20th century.