Art Deco Silver Cigarette Case
These art deco silver cigarette case examples deliver sleek geometric lines and pocket utility, forged in silver and enamel.
Art Deco Silver Cigarette Case
An art deco silver cigarette case is a compact personal container designed to hold cigarettes or cards, originating mostly from the 1920s through the 1940s. The versions most commonly met on this page include sterling silver and continental silver constructs, often enhanced with enamel, silver gilt, or shagreen.
Makers produced these smoking accessories and pocket boxes in forms ranging from slim purse cases to larger table boxes and combination compacts. The structural shapes reflect the modernist design ethos of the era, balancing rigid geometry with fine metalwork.
Pieces from this category bridge utilitarian function and decorative art, serving as portable luxury items during the interwar decades. Buyers encounter both English hallmarks and continental European silver standards among the listed objects.
How they were made
Silversmiths utilised sterling silver and continental .900 silver as the primary structural foundations for these boxes, often applying silver gilt interiors or exterior accents. Metal fabrication involved pressing, soldering, and hinging rigid plates to form secure enclosures.
Many examples incorporate vitreous enamel, hand-painted floral motifs, or exotic coverings like shagreen to elevate the exterior surface. Gemstone cabochons and gilt metal details appear as applied decorative elements on select continental and English pieces.
Art Deco Silver Cigarette Case Retail Price Guide 2026
Typical asking prices for art deco silver cigarette case among the pieces listed under this phrase on Sellingantiques today, from the lower quarter to the upper quarter. They describe what is for sale here now, not the wider market.
Materials recorded across the inventory include sterling silver, silver gilt, vitreous enamel, shagreen, and gemstone cabochons.
What varies in quality
The sophistication of the surface decoration determines much of the distinction between standard and finer examples. Hand-painted enamel work and complex engine-turned patterns require greater artisan skill than plain metal surfaces.
The precision of the mechanical engineering, particularly the snap of the clasp and the alignment of the hinge, separates robust daily use objects from delicate display pieces. The inclusion of uncommon materials like shagreen or precious gemstone cabochons elevates the overall execution.
Georg Jensen·William Adams Ltd
The Art Deco Silver Cigarette Case Glossary
- Sterling silver
- A silver alloy containing 92.5 percent pure silver and 7.5 percent other metals, usually copper. This standard ensures durability while maintaining a bright metallic lustre.
- Silver gilt
- Silver objects that have been coated with a thin layer of gold on the interior or exterior surfaces. This technique provides a rich golden contrast against the cool silver exterior.
- Vitreous enamel
- Glass powder fused to a metal substrate through high-temperature firing. It creates a durable, glossy coloured surface resistant to wear.
- Shagreen
- Rawhide or skin from sharks or rays, prepared with a distinctive pebbled texture. It provides an exotic tactile finish on luxury boxes and lighters.
- Cabochon
- A gemstone shaped and polished with a smooth, convex domed top rather than faceted cuts. These stones frequently accent clasps and thumbpieces.
Art Deco Silver Cigarette Case: Frequently Asked Questions
What fits inside an art deco silver cigarette case?
These slim containers were built to hold short-length cigarettes or visiting cards securely in place with internal bands.
Modern filter cigarettes rarely fit standard vintage dimensions, meaning contemporary owners frequently utilise them for business cards or folded notes.
How do I date a silver cigarette case?
Assay office marks, date letters, and maker stamps stamped directly into the metal provide precise manufacturing years for English pieces.
Continental imports and unmarked items rely on stylistic cues such as geometric engraving and material combinations to establish a decade.
Can I use these cases daily?
The robust construction of sterling and continental silver allows for regular pocket transport if handled with care.
Enamelled surfaces require greater caution to prevent chipping or scratching against keys and coins.
What is the difference between a card case and a cigarette case?
Card cases feature thin, flat profiles designed specifically to store paper calling cards without internal spring clips.
Cigarette cases incorporate elastic straps or metal arms inside to secure individual sticks against movement.