German Silver Cigarette Case with Enamelled Seaside Bathing Scene, 1900

Details

Description

A hand-painted polychrome enamel plaque dominates the curved lid of this solid silver cigarette case, depicting a young woman on … Read more A hand-painted polychrome enamel plaque dominates the curved lid of this solid silver cigarette case, depicting a young woman on a tranquil sandy beach. Rendered in finely graded vitreous enamels, the figure stands against a bright turquoise sea and pale sky, dressed in a navy sailor-style bathing costume detailed with anchor insignias and a tied yellow bow. She gathers her hemline above knee-high stockings fastened with decorative garters, creating an engaging seaside study executed with great pictorial delicacy. The silver body is constructed with rounded rectangular contours and softly cushioned profiles designed to sit comfortably in a pocket or evening bag. Measuring 9.4 cm wide by 8.6 cm high, the exterior displays smooth polished silver borders framing the inset enamel panel, while the reverse is entirely plain. A spring-loaded hinge connects the two halves, opening briskly when the exterior thumbpiece catch on the leading edge is depressed. The interior reveals a traditional gold-wash or vermeil finish across both lids, applied originally to guard against the tarnishing effects of tobacco. Two brown woven elastic straps remain positioned across the wells to hold cigarettes securely in place. German silver hallmark stamps are punched into the inner metal wall, confirming the piece's continental silver standard and place of manufacture. Manufactured in Germany around 1900, this case reflects the sophisticated novelty silver produced in continental metalworking centres at the turn of the century. Pieces combining high-fire enamel portraiture with sprung silver mechanics were exported widely across Europe, prized both for their functional craftsmanship and their miniature decorative artistry. See less