What is a Victorian sterling silver cigarette case?

Victorian sterling silver cigarette cases are pocket-sized metal containers designed during the late nineteenth century to store and protect cigarettes. They typically feature decorative surface engraving, internal retaining bands, and specialized opening mechanisms suited for personal transport.

What materials were used to construct Victorian silver cases?

These items were predominantly constructed from solid sterling silver, composed of 92.5% pure silver alloyed with copper for structural durability. Internal components often utilised spring-loaded brass hinges or fabric elastic bands to hold contents securely.

How do you identify authentic 1880s British silver cases?

Authenticity is verified by checking for official British assay hallmarks stamped onto the interior or side rim. A complete mark includes the lion passant for sterling silver, an assay office symbol such as the anchor for Birmingham, a makers mark, and a specific date letter corresponding to the year of manufacture.

How can an antique silver case be styled in a modern interior?

In modern interiors, small silver antiques are styled on desk trays, console tables, or vanity tops as decorative catch-all vessels for small items. They can also be displayed open within glass vitrines or stacked alongside leather-bound books to add reflective texture.

How should Victorian solid silver be cleaned and preserved?

Solid silver should be polished gently using a soft microfibre cloth and a dedicated silver cream to remove oxidisation without eroding fine hand-engravings. Storing the piece in a dry, anti-tarnish cloth pouch helps prevent atmospheric sulphur from discolouring the metal surface.

for sale €761 $826

£650

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Antique Victorian Solid Silver Cigarette Case with Unusual Opening Mechanism - Birmingham 1886

Name: Antique Victorian Solid Silver Cigarette Case with Unusual Opening Mechanism - Birmingham 1886
Brand: Antique
SKU: SA1170764
Price: 650 GBP
Availability: InStock

19th century

For Sale by Artisan Antiques

Description

We are delighted to offer this unique Victorian solid silver cigarette case made in Birmingham 1886 with an unidentified maker's mark "C.C".

This cigarette case features a wonderfully embellished exterior of floral motifs throughout and a central cartouche with a period hand-engraved crest.

Its overall curvature is a wonderful touch, allowing for the case to sit flush against the thigh or rib cage, depending on whether it is stored in your trouser/blazer pocket.

A unique point of this case is the spring-loaded lid which opens three-quarters of the way, allowing for the cigarettes to be still held within whilst open. The mechanism remains smooth, strong and with a tight closure, a testament to its overall quality and craftsmanship.

The interior is silver gilt (gold on top of solid silver) which not only creates a lovely contrast to its exterior silver colour but adds a layer of protection to prevent the content held within from tarnishing the silver. There is a hand engraving which reads "Jeffery Whitehead Junr Stock Exchange London".

Owing to its stylish and practical proportions, this case could be used to hold short cigarillos/short cigarettes or other small articles of your preference. A distinguished and timeless design, ideal for the discerning individual and bound to be a conversation starter upon usage.

A full set of matching hallmarks are present on both sides of the interior.

*All images with other items are for display purposes; this listing is for the title item only.

Size

Size (cm) 8.2cm x 6cm x 1cm

Size (inches) 3.22 x 2.36 x 0.39

Weight: 55.1g (1.77 Troy oz)

Condition

Good Condition - The case is in good overall antique condition with no major issues or damage. Some slight surface wear and dings in some corners. The interior gilding has faded in some areas and presents some scratches, more prominent towards the interior base - no mechanical issues.

We aim to overemphasize and state these issues (if any) to avoid disappointment and thus please rest assured they are not significant nor affect the usage of the items.

Please refer to the photographs to examine the condition in further detail.

Free Shipping

Artisan Antiques offers free global shipping with professional, secure and discreet packaging.

We will always ensure your items are packaged with the utmost care and see the delivery through to the end. In the very rare and unfortunate case of non-delivery/courier loss, you are fully covered with us and we will fully refund you.

*All parcels are insured - please rest assured all shipping liabilities other than import/customs duty are covered by Artisan Antiques.

*Colours of the product may slightly differ from the photos due to different computer screens & lighting conditions*

Price negotiations may be possible under certain criteria, please contact us via telephone (07578761640) or email (info@artisanantiques.net)

Declaration

Artisan Antiques has dated this Victorian Silver Cigarette Case to the Victorian era.

Reference Numbers

Sellingantiques Reference

SA1170764

Dealers Notes

We strive to provide inimitable first-class service with your needs and satisfaction as our number one priority.

Description

We are delighted to offer this unique Victorian solid silver cigarette case made in Birmingham 1886 with an unidentified maker's mark "C.C".

“

This cigarette case features a wonderfully embellished exterior of floral motifs throughout and a central cartouche with a period hand-engraved crest.

Artisan Antiques

fig 1. An antique Victorian sterling silver cigarette case decorated with an overall engraved floral pattern and a central oval cartouche containing a heraldic crest. — fig 1. Antique Victorian Solid Silver Cigarette Case with Unusual Opening Mechanism - Birmingham 1886

Its overall curvature is a wonderful touch, allowing for the case to sit flush against the thigh or rib cage, depending on whether it is stored in your trouser/blazer pocket.

A unique point of this case is the spring-loaded lid which opens three-quarters of the way, allowing for the cigarettes to be still held within whilst open. The mechanism remains smooth, strong and with a tight closure, a testament to its overall quality and craftsmanship.

fig 2. An antique Victorian sterling silver cigarette case decorated with an overall engraved floral pattern and a central oval cartouche containing a heraldic crest. — fig 2. Antique Victorian Solid Silver Cigarette Case with Unusual Opening Mechanism - Birmingham 1886

The interior is silver gilt (gold on top of solid silver) which not only creates a lovely contrast to its exterior silver colour but adds a layer of protection to prevent the content held within from tarnishing the silver. There is a hand engraving which reads "Jeffery Whitehead Junr Stock Exchange London".

fig 3. An antique Victorian sterling silver cigarette case decorated with an overall engraved floral pattern and a central oval cartouche containing a heraldic crest. — fig 3. Antique Victorian Solid Silver Cigarette Case with Unusual Opening Mechanism - Birmingham 1886

Owing to its stylish and practical proportions, this case could be used to hold short cigarillos/short cigarettes or other small articles of your preference. A distinguished and timeless design, ideal for the discerning individual and bound to be a conversation starter upon usage.

fig 4. An antique Victorian sterling silver cigarette case decorated with an overall engraved floral pattern and a central oval cartouche containing a heraldic crest. — fig 4. Antique Victorian Solid Silver Cigarette Case with Unusual Opening Mechanism - Birmingham 1886

A full set of matching hallmarks are present on both sides of the interior.

All images with other items are for display purposes; this listing is for the title item only.

Size

Size (cm) 8.2cm x 6cm x 1cm

fig 5. An antique Victorian sterling silver cigarette case decorated with an overall engraved floral pattern and a central oval cartouche containing a heraldic crest. — fig 5. Antique Victorian Solid Silver Cigarette Case with Unusual Opening Mechanism - Birmingham 1886

Size (inches) 3.22 x 2.36 x 0.39

Weight: 55.1g (1.77 Troy oz)

Condition

Good Condition - The case is in good overall antique condition with no major issues or damage. Some slight surface wear and dings in some corners. The interior gilding has faded in some areas and presents some scratches, more prominent towards the interior base - no mechanical issues.

fig 6. An antique Victorian sterling silver cigarette case decorated with an overall engraved floral pattern and a central oval cartouche containing a heraldic crest. — fig 6. Antique Victorian Solid Silver Cigarette Case with Unusual Opening Mechanism - Birmingham 1886

We aim to overemphasize and state these issues (if any) to avoid disappointment and thus please rest assured they are not significant nor affect the usage of the items.

Please refer to the photographs to examine the condition in further detail.

fig 7. An antique Victorian sterling silver cigarette case decorated with an overall engraved floral pattern and a central oval cartouche containing a heraldic crest. — fig 7. Antique Victorian Solid Silver Cigarette Case with Unusual Opening Mechanism - Birmingham 1886

Free Shipping

Artisan Antiques offers free global shipping with professional, secure and discreet packaging.

We will always ensure your items are packaged with the utmost care and see the delivery through to the end. In the very rare and unfortunate case of non-delivery/courier loss, you are fully covered with us and we will fully refund you.