Art Nouveau Silver Cigarette Case, 1890s

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Description

Exquisite rectangular silver cigarette case with a smooth finish and a double lid: Beneath the simple, smooth lid lies a … Read more Exquisite rectangular silver cigarette case with a smooth finish and a double lid: Beneath the simple, smooth lid lies a further cover featuring exquisite enamel painting – depicting a nymph at a forest spring, her dark hair adorned only with a wreath of leaves; the pale complexion of this delicate Art Nouveau beauty stands out vividly against the dark background; all interior silver surfaces are roughened and gilded; opens via a press-fastening on the side; eyelets on the inside for attaching retaining straps. More precious than sterling silver: the 935 alloy has a higher silver content than the better-known 925 sterling silver. As a result, it has a slightly whiter and brighter lustre. 935 silver was very popular in the 19th and early 20th centuries for ornate, colourfully enamelled snuff boxes or powder compacts, as the enamel adheres excellently to this fineness. Many European workshops used 935 silver in their silverware to ensure that, when exporting to the UK, the minimum standard of 925 sterling required by law there was guaranteed to be exceeded. Hallmarks: - 935 - Silver fineness mark - Crescent + crown - German Imperial Silver Hallmark from 1888 onwards Size: Length: 9,0 cm / 3.54 inches Width: 7,5 cm / 2.95 inches Heigth: 1,5 cm / 0.59 inches Weight: 163 Grams / 5.24 troy Oz Condition: Very well maintained condition, Signs of wear and tear consistent with the item’s age, Enamel is fine This piece is attributed to the mentioned designer/maker. It has no attribution mark and no
official proof of authenticity,
however it is well documented in design history. I take full responsibility for any authenticity



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