A gold long guard chain and propelling pencil, late 19th century, the gold chain of elongated belcher linking in 9ct gold, one end with an 18ct gold T-bar fitting, the other suspending a gold and base metal propelling pencil in a holder carved with birds and flowers, chain length 91cm, T-bar with British hallmarks for 18ct gold chain stamped 9ct, gross weight 20.5 grams, propelling pencil signed S.Mordan

Composed of several subsidiaries, the Drouot Group is a major player in the art market. Hôtel Drouot, located in the heart of Paris, has been the world's largest public auction center since 1852. 15 salerooms are available to more than 70 auction houses. The emulation generated by an annual offer of 230,000 artworks from 21 major specialities - from Antiquity to street art - attracts some 3,000 visitors every day. The Group's digital platform, Drouot.com, offers digital sales - Live auctions (live broadcasting and participation in auctions), Online-only auctions (dematerialised auctions) and Buy Now sales (sales of lots at fixed prices). Nearly 2 million items are offered annually by 600 auction houses. Auction news is reported every week in La Gazette Drouot, the leading weekly magazine for the art market and culture published by Auctionspress.