Offered for sale is a risque Art Deco Sterling Silver Cigarette Case, often referred to as a “naughty” because of it’s bawdy subject matter; that being; of a seated, topless young lady in sexy leggings and apparel, drinking a cup of tea. Obviously given to an employee by management, as the inscription to the interior suggests, in quasi discernible script and British vernacular, “presented to “Hairy Belle Hetty for services cheerfully rendered to Ye N. GH.B. 1928.” The last line reads “Bert N.O Gentle Zephyr” (must reference an “inside” connotation!!).
Also on the front is an embossed and raised monogram “A O” “F B”. See all images.
(4) forty-five degree corners, in addition to rounded edges to the entire perimeter, meet nicely together when closed. To open the case. press on the clasp on the side and the spring loaded mechanism opens up and exposes the interior. The metal gold plated spring across the bottom right side would have retained small cigarettes.
Although utilized as a cigarette case in the 1920’s; I have used similar small cases to hold in place, special miniature photographs—one on each side of the interior; easy to carry around; and displays lovely on the shelf.
The cigarette case is in excellent and all original condition; is of fine quality .925 sterling silver; gold plate on silver interior; and a beautifully hand painted enamel figure on raised oval plaque to the coverlet. The rear and front are decorated in an etched and repousse geometric continuous design. The colors are crisp; of light plum, aqua, cream and black, in addition to flesh tones to the figure.
Embossed atop the interior inscription are four hallmarks; one implying “.925” silver (92% pure); that being a prancing lion with tail in the air, better known as a passant lion, which in British hallmarks stipulates .925 silver. The anchor hallmark represents a Birmingham, England manufacturer. The “T & S” hallmark notates “Turner and Simpson” maker (established in 1912). The “C” indicates the date. Additional identical hallmarks are embossed on the opposite interior surface at the top.
The semi -nude, in conjunction with tobacco implement, makes this a wonderful “sin” collectible, in addition to being a unique silver novelty item.
Dimensions: 3 1/4″ high x 2 1/2″ wide x 1/2″ deep
weight= 79 grams (2.76 ounces)
Provenance: From my own personal collection, having acquired this in the 1990’s from a prominent West Coast collection.