German Silver Cigarette Case with Painted Enamel Nude Plaque, 1910

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A polychrome enamel panel mounted flush to the front lid forms the centrepiece of this German pocket cigarette case, depicting … Read more A polychrome enamel panel mounted flush to the front lid forms the centrepiece of this German pocket cigarette case, depicting a smiling semi-nude woman posed with her hands clasped behind her head. Set against deep blue gathered drapery, the figure is draped at the hips with a purple and white wrap, rendered with careful tonal modelling across the flesh tones. The reverse of the case is decorated with engine-turned geometric ornament, combining fine horizontal reeding with repeating bands of diamond engraving to ensure an easy grip. Constructed with a flush integrated hinge and a shaped silver thumbpiece, the sprung lid releases cleanly to display a fully gilded interior that retains its original woven retaining bands. Stamped along the interior rim with a 935 standard silver mark beside a maker's punch, the case was produced around 1910 during an era when decorative continental boudoir items and novelty tobacco accessories flourished. The 935 fineness was commonly employed by German silversmiths specialising in high-grade enamelling, offering marginally higher purity than standard sterling to support delicate hot-enamel work. Measuring 8.8 cm across by 6.8 cm in height, the slim rectangular format was intended for evening attire. It remains intact with smooth edges, crisp engine turning, and vibrant preservation across the enamelled surface. See less