On the occasion of the presentation of this remarkable Eloi Pernet collection on Thomas Numismatics, we wanted to give its owner the opportunity to share his story. A passionate numismatist for many years, he reflects on how he first discovered this fascinating field, the pieces that have left the greatest impression on him, and his views on collecting and passing on a legacy to future generations.

Eloi Pernet, a Craftsman with Unique Expertise

Born in 1883, Louis Charles Eloi Pernet (1883–1959) ran a manufacturing workshop based in Nogent, Haute-Marne, a historic center of the French cutlery industry. Trained as a cutler from a very young age, he founded his own company in 1920 and developed a production renowned for its high-quality craftsmanship and technical excellence.

Specializing in manicure and pedicure instruments, grooming accessories, and small precision-crafted objects, the workshop also distinguished itself through the creation of functional items made from antique coins, including nail cleaners, magnifying glasses, letter openers, measuring tapes, and travel accessories.

This constant pursuit of quality was recognized on several occasions. As early as 1924, several craftsmen from the workshop were awarded the title of Meilleur Ouvrier de France in cutlery, reflecting the exceptional expertise developed within the Pernet workshops. The company also received numerous distinctions throughout its history, including a gold medal from the Qualité France label, attesting to its reputation in the Nogent region, then regarded as one of the leading centers of the French cutlery industry.

At the crossroads of fine craftsmanship and numismatics, Eloi Pernet’s creations reflect a particularly distinctive expertise. Produced in small quantities and often intended for a discerning clientele, they are now sought after for their quality of manufacture, ingenuity, and the wide variety of coins incorporated into their design.

How did you discover the work of Eloi Pernet?

It was a fellow numismatist who introduced me to this fascinating world. One day, he arrived with an object and said, “I have something to show you.” It was a three-piece nail cleaner made from a Louis-Philippe coin, featuring a blade marked “Au Sultan.”

This inscription immediately caught my attention. As I researched further, I discovered that it referred to a manufacturing technique. With its elegant cursive script, this detail already hinted at the care and craftsmanship invested in the object’s creation and played a major role in sparking my curiosity about the world of Eloi Pernet. I then began taking a closer interest in his creations and searching for the various objects he had produced.

Over time, I discovered an incredible variety of objects: magnifying glasses, measuring tapes, letter openers, nail cleaners, and many other creations crafted from royal and historic coins.

At the time, I was already collecting royal coins and tokens. Naturally, these objects became an extension of a field that already fascinated me, and I began searching for every piece I could find.

What fascinates you about Eloi Pernet ?

What fascinates me above all is the craftsmanship. Today, almost no one still produces this type of object. Transforming a coin into something useful, elegant, and durable requires genuine technical mastery.

Beyond the artisanal aspect, these creations bring together several passions that are particularly dear to me: numismatics, history, luxury objects, and even the world of fine knives. Each piece tells a story and bears witness to meticulous craftsmanship.

Why do Eloi Pernet’s creations hold such a special place in the world of collecting?

I would describe Eloi Pernet’s world as a meeting point between numismatics, exceptional craftsmanship, and French heritage.

This paradox is precisely what makes these creations so fascinating. A coin that has been transformed may sometimes lose part of its original numismatic value, but in return it gains a new story, a new purpose, and the signature of a recognized craftsman. It then becomes far more than a simple coin: it becomes a collectible in its own right.

It should not be forgotten that Eloi Pernet collaborated with several prestigious houses, including Hermès and Cartier, as well as Dunhill, the renowned British luxury accessories maker, and Drouhin, an iconic name in the cutlery tradition of Nogent. These collaborations reflect the exceptional level of excellence achieved by the Pernet workshop and the trust placed in it by some of the most distinguished brands of its time. His creations are firmly rooted in the tradition of French high craftsmanship, distinguished by an unwavering commitment to quality, both in the selection of materials and in their execution.

What always strikes me is the durability of these pieces. Some tools are now more than a century old and still function perfectly. When you see a blade or a spring that has retained all its qualities after so many years, you immediately understand the level of craftsmanship and exacting standards that went into its making.

Which pieces have impressed you the most?

Several pieces have particularly stood out to me over the years.

One piece that immediately comes to mind is the genuine Napoléon nail clipper. Unlike more conventional nail-cleaning tools, it is a truly functional instrument that could still be used today. It is a particularly accomplished piece and a fine example of Eloi Pernet’s craftsmanship.

I also think of a magnifying glass mounted on a Louis XV coin. For many years, it accompanied me on antique and flea-market hunts. I did not regard it merely as a collectible object; I actually used it during my searches and discoveries.

One of the centerpiece items in my collection, however, is a nail-cleaning tool crafted from two English gold nobles of Edward IV. I have come across a few Eloi Pernet creations made from more common gold coins, but never from English coins of such antiquity. To the best of my knowledge, it is an exceptional and unique example.

Among the other remarkable pieces, I would also mention a paper knife fitted with a silver blade. Objects of this kind are already extremely rare, but this is the only example I have ever encountered. It was most likely a bespoke commission made for a particular client, which makes it all the more fascinating.

How do you feel about seeing your collection showcased and made available to other collectors today?

It is a bittersweet feeling. On the one hand, there is inevitably a touch of nostalgia. I built this collection over many years, piece by piece. Each item has its own story, its own research, and its own discoveries. Seeing these objects leave is like seeing a small part of my journey as a collector go with them.

But on the other hand, it gives me great pleasure. I have always believed that a collection should be alive and continue to circulate. Ever since I began collecting, I have kept in mind a saying that was shared with me as a child: “A collection should keep moving.”

I do not wish to keep these objects until the end of my life only for them to be dispersed or forgotten afterward. I would rather see them pass into the hands of other enthusiasts who will appreciate them in turn. That, too, is how history continues to live on.

Today, many antique objects disappear simply because they are melted down or repurposed. I am thinking in particular of gold pocket watches. They are becoming increasingly rare, not because they have all found their way into collections, but because many of them have been melted down for their precious metal value.

I find that regrettable because, beyond the value of the gold itself, there is the watchmaker’s craftsmanship, the expertise, and the history embodied in the object. The same is true of Eloi Pernet’s creations. If these objects disappear, an entire chapter of artisanal heritage disappears with them.

also attach great importance to the person who acquires an object. Whether it joins the collection of an experienced collector in search of a particular piece or that of an enthusiast discovering the world of Eloi Pernet, what matters most is that it continues to be appreciated and helps keep this story alive.

This exceptional collection will be presented progressively on Thomas Numismatics, offering collectors and enthusiasts the opportunity to discover the richness and diversity of Eloi Pernet’s creations.