197 - PUPIER CHOCOLATE - c. 1927–35

PUPIER CHOCOLATE - c. 1927–35 “The best French chocolate” Signed: “Jean d’YLEN” Superb and rare flat, rimmed enamel advertising thermometer with an integrated grid. 110 x 39.3 cm. “Émaillerie Alsacienne de Strasbourg.” Superb condition— exceptionally rare in this state of preservation. The colors are perfect, revealing absolute freshness—vivid, luminous, and of remarkable intensity, particularly the reds. Exceptionally, the gold accents are 100% intact, retaining their original, perfect luster. The thermometer is in perfect condition: it has its functional capillary tube, with its original fasteners, as well as its four brass eyelets at the attachment points. For the sake of complete transparency, there are two minor imperfections located at the lower outer corners, as well as two tiny chips in the enamel above the protective grille. A masterpiece in spectacularly fresh condition—the kind one would love to come across every day. Depiction of his famous Pierrot, who fears that rising temperatures will melt his chocolate bars. Jean-Louis PUPIER, St. Etienne, 1860, established his first chocolate factory and opened his first shop, initially named Chocolaterie spéciale du Commerce. In 1925, the brand adopted its most iconic advertising emblem: Pierrot biting into a chocolate bar, designed by the famous poster artist Jean d’Ylen. In 1958, Pupier came under the control of Jacquemaire (Villefranche), a company that would later be absorbed by the BSN Group; Pupier’s production was then entrusted to the Chocolaterie de l’Union. Acquired by the Cantalou Group in 1981, now part of the Cémoi Group. Loire/Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes