Austrian Silver and Purple Guilloché Enamel Cigarette Case, 1900

Details

Description

A geometric grid of deep purple guilloché enamel defines the lid of this continental silver cigarette case. The translucent enamel … Read more A geometric grid of deep purple guilloché enamel defines the lid of this continental silver cigarette case. The translucent enamel is laid directly over an intricate engine-turned ground, partitioned by delicate gilded dividing lines and framed within a stepped, engine-turned and reeded border. In hand, the compact rectangular box measures 8.2 cm in width by 5.9 cm in depth. Both long edges and the short side profiles are finished with matching horizontal bands of dark violet enamel, providing a refined, cohesive finish around the perimeter. The catch is operated by a sculpted navette-shaped silver thumbpiece mounted at the centre front, neatly set with an oval purple cabochon stone that echoes the palette of the main panel. Constructed with a flush seven-part knuckle hinge along the back edge, the box opens to reveal a warmly gilded interior. The gold wash lines both the lid and well, protecting the inner silver from tarnishing while retaining original sprung retaining tabs or clips appropriate for holding cigarettes or small cards. The interior floor is cleanly stamped with the pattern number 11392 alongside small Austrian silver hallmark punches. The reverse of the case is left as an unadorned, plain solid silver surface. It exhibits fine contact scratches, surface scuffs and gentle signs of handling consistent with pocket use, while the external enamel remains remarkably intact. Originating in Austria and dating to circa 1900, the case represents the tailored graphic elegance of Viennese decorative arts from the turn of the twentieth century. See less