Art Deco “naughty” sterling silver novelty item; a cigarette case depicting a reclining nude woman on a bed in suggestive pose; hand painted enamel on oval raised plaque; with bright colors of bluish to the bed, tan to the background, and flesh tones to the nude. Nine vertical geometric lines decorate the front while the back is a plain concave surface. Press on the clasp to open and the interior reveals a gold plated surface on sterling with all the appropriate hallmarks. The passant lion indicates .925 British sterling silver; the anchor confirms Birmingham, England manufacturer, the letter “V” indicates the date, while the “H H” hallmark signifies the maker, probably Hannah Howard, who started business in the early 1800’s.
The condition of the case is very good and in completely original condition with an exceptional fine quality hand painted nude. The cigarette retaining band is lacking to the interior and there is a superficial minor dent to the upper right front coverlet (see images). All in all, this is a wonderful “sin” collectible, and being a silver novelty item, in addition to falling under the “tobacciana” category, it is a cross collectible, making it that much more desirable. Although utilized as a cigarette case in the 1920’s; I have used similar small cases to hold in place, special photographs—one on each side of the interior; easy to carry around; and still displays lovely on the shelf.
Dimensions: 3 1/4″ high x 2 1/2″ wide x 7/8″ deep
weight= 60 grahams (2.15 ounces)
Provenance: From my own collection of barroom memorabilia having acquired this on the West Coast in the 1990’s.