Sterling Silver Cigar Accessory
A sterling silver cigar accessory brings practical elegance to the smoking ritual, taking the form of table lighters, pocket cases, ashtrays and boxes.
Sterling Silver Cigar Accessory
A sterling silver cigar accessory encompasses a functional group of items designed for the storage, ignition and ash collection of cigars and cheroot. These objects span periods from the Georgian era through to Victorian, Edwardian, Art Deco and Mid-Century Modern designs, reflecting changing domestic habits over two centuries.
Table lighters dominate the larger items, often taking sculptural or novelty forms such as hunting horns, canoes, classical oil lamps and frogs. Pocket cases and humidor boxes provide portable or desktop storage, frequently utilising solid silver, crocodile leather or interior gilding.
Buyers encountering this selection will find a prevalence of Victorian and Edwardian examples alongside mid-twentieth-century pieces. Each object combines silversmithing skill with the practical requirements of the smoker.
Quality and Craftsmanship
Quality rests upon the crispness of detail in cast or engraved ornamentation, particularly in novelty forms and engine-turned panels. Maker reputation also influences distinction, with pieces originating from noted silversmith workshops demonstrating superior finishing.
The integration of materials determines structural standard, visible in the snug fit of hinged boxes and the solid weight of larger table lighters and pocket cases.
Listings feature table lighters, cigar cases, ashtrays and boxes spanning the Georgian, Victorian, Edwardian and Mid-Century Modern periods.
William Neale·Mappin & Webb·Sigvard Bernadotte for Georg Jensen·Edward Edwards·John Grinsell & Sons·Theo Fennell·Wright & Davies·Joseph Braham·Comyns
The Sterling Silver Cigar Accessory Glossary
- Sterling silver
- An alloy containing 92.5 percent silver and 7.5 percent other metals, typically copper, chosen for durability in functional items.
- Engine turned
- A decorative technique involving precise geometric patterns mechanically etched into the metal surface.
- Gilt
- A thin layer of gold applied to the interior or exterior surface of the silver to prevent tarnishing from tobacco oils.
- Humidor
- A moisture-controlled box designed to keep cigars fresh, often lined with wood and fitted with double lids.
- Trompe l'oeil
- An artistic illusion in three dimensions, replicating real objects or textures in solid silver.
Sterling Silver Cigar Accessory: Frequently Asked Questions
What is a novelty table lighter?
A novelty table lighter is a functional ignition device cast or shaped to resemble animals, boats or classical lamps.
These pieces served as decorative conversation pieces on smoking tables and desks during the Victorian and Edwardian periods.
How do I care for silver cigar cases?
Silver cases require gentle cleaning with a soft cloth to maintain the metal surface without wearing down engraved details.
Leather elements on combined pieces need separate conditioning to prevent drying out over time.
Are cigar accessories hallmarked?
Most British pieces feature hallmarks stamping the standard of silver, the assay office city and the date letter.
These marks help establish the exact period and maker of the item.
What is engine turning?
Engine turning is a mechanical engraving method that cuts intricate geometric patterns into the silver.
This finish reduced glare and masked minor handling marks on frequently used pocket cases.