Silver Cigarette Case with Enamel Coaching Plaque by Robert Chandler, 1911

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A detailed polychrome enamel plaque is set neatly into the face of this solid silver cigarette case. The painted panel … Read more A detailed polychrome enamel plaque is set neatly into the face of this solid silver cigarette case. The painted panel depicts a coaching scene with four chestnut horses pulling an open carriage along a country road past a quaint farmhouse. The passengers are portrayed in period attire, including a lady in a pale coat and hat seated alongside gentlemen in top hats and caps, beneath autumn trees and a pale blue sky. The case is shaped with gently curved contours and rounded corners to fit comfortably into a pocket. It is engineered with an uncommon left-handed configuration, placing the silver thumbpiece catch along the left edge while opening smoothly across a sturdy multi-part hinge on the right. This mirror-image orientation was specifically made for left-handed handling, a layout seldom encountered on early pocket silver. Opening the case reveals a gold-washed interior across both halves, applied to prevent tarnishing from tobacco, along with interior corner brackets for a retaining strap. Crisp English hallmarks are struck to the interior wall, showing the anchor for Birmingham, the lion passant for sterling standard, the date letter 'm' for 1911, and the maker's initials 'R.C' for Birmingham silversmith Robert Chandler. The piece measures 8.6 cm in width by 7.1 cm in height. It represents an appealing blend of Edwardian pocket silver craftsmanship, custom ergonomics and miniature sporting enamel art. See less