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Sterling Silver Art Deco "Risque" Cigarette Case of British Origin. Circa 1925

Offered by: Clive Devenish Antiques

Description
Art Deco "naughty" sterling silver novelty item; a cigarette case depicting a reclining nude woman on a bed in suggestive pose; hand painted enamel on oval raised plaque; with bright colors of bluish to the bed, tan to the background, and flesh tones to the nude. Nine vertical geometric lines decorate the front while the back is a plain concave surface. Press on the clasp to open and the interior reveals a gold plated surface on sterling with all the appropriate hallmarks. The passant lion indicates .925 British sterling silver; the anchor confirms Birmingham, England manufacturer, the letter "V" indicates the date, while the "H H" hallmark signifies the maker, probably Hannah Howard, who started business in the early 1800's.

The condition of the case is very good and in completely original condition with an exceptional fine quality hand painted nude. The cigarette retaining band is lacking to the interior and there is a superficial minor dent to the upper right front coverlet (see images). All in all, this is a wonderful "sin" collectible, and being a silver novelty item, in addition to falling under the "tobacciana" category, it is a cross collectible, making it that much more desirable. Although utilized as a cigarette case in the 1920's; I have used similar small cases to hold in place, special photographs---one on each side of the interior; easy to carry around; and still displays lovely on the shelf.

Dimensions: 3 1/4" high x 2 1/2" wide x 7/8" deep
weight= 60 grahams (2.15 ounces)

Provenance: From my own collection of barroom memorabilia having acquired this on the West Coast in the 1990's.

More Information

Origin:	England
Period:	1920-1949
Materials:	Enamel,Sterling Silver,Hand-Painted,Repoussé
Condition:	Good. Wear consistent with age and use.
Styles / Movements:	Art Deco, Modern
Incollect Reference #:	704770

Dimensions

W.	2.5 in;	H.	0.88 in;	D.	3.25 in;
W.	6.35 cm;	H.	2.24 cm;	D.	8.26 cm;

Message from Seller:

We are specialists in the field of antique mechanical coin banks. These rare and unique items were sold during the late 1800's and early 1900's to encourage and educate young children on the importance of saving money, with the majority of them having been made in America. We are leading experts in this field and one of the foremost dealers, having traded in mechanical banks since 1976.