Offered is an Art Deco silver and hand painted enamel cigarette case; often referenced in “sin” and other tobacco collectible circles as a “naughty” themed accessory. While it could also be utilized as a card carrying item, it was primarily used for holding cigarettes, thus the original cloth retaining straps to the interior.
The theme is a precursor to the “happy go lucky” roaring 1920’s; consisting of a scantily clad provocative young lady seated in a suggestive pose with the phrase, “Do you think?” in the lower right hand corner (faint but discernible (see image)). A side table with a kerosene lamp completes the coverlet decor. All four corners are nicely curved to 90 degrees, and the entire perimeter to both sides is nicely rounded to meet when closed.
Press down on the clasp and the spring loaded mechanism opens to reveal the gold plate on silver interior. The back side pattern, raised and etched, consists of 5 vertical panels in continuous geometric form (see image).
Note the faint but recognizable marking “S 800” to the interior of the opening clasp indicating, in all likelihood, German manufacture; made for the American and British market. “Real Silver” is imprinted on the reverse side of the clasp (see images).
Condition is all original with no restorations of any kinds; the image is clear and wear is consistent with normal use for that period. All in all, this is a wonderful piece and would make a nice gift or addition to a collection.
Dimensions: 3 1/8″ high x 2 7/8″ wide x 1/2″ deep
Provenance: From my own personal collection of silver oddities and novelty items; acquired from a prominent West Coast collection in the 1990’s