Edwardian Sterling Silver Cigarette Case by William Hair Haseler
Cigarette Case / Personal Accessory · William Hair Haseler (W.H.H). Founded in 1870 in Birmingham, Haseler was a highly significant silversmith noted for his close collaborative relationship with Liberty & Co. in producing the famed 'Cymric' line of Arts & Crafts silver.
Pattern: Engine-Turned Geometric Pattern; common for early 20th-century personal accessories, utilizing a linear repeating motif for aesthetic and tactile grip.
Type
Cigarette Case / Personal Accessory
Maker
William Hair Haseler (W.H.H). Founded in 1870 in Birmingham, Haseler was a highly significant silversmith noted for his close collaborative relationship with Liberty & Co. in producing the famed 'Cymric' line of Arts & Crafts silver.
Material
Sterling Silver (.925 purity). The base is likely a hollow-form silver sheet; interior may have originally featured an elastic band or silver retaining arm.
Dimensions
Estimated at 8.5cm x 6.5cm, a standard size for early 20th-century cigarettes which were shorter than modern 'king size' versions. Approximate weight 60-90 grams.
Description
A refined example of Edwardian personal luxury, this sterling silver cigarette case exhibits the exceptional tool-work of W.H. Haseler. The exterior is adorned with shimmering engine-turned lines that catch the light, while the interior bears the prestigious hallmarks of Birmingham. It represents the height of gentlemanly fashion from the early 20th century.
Key Features
Distinctive W.H.H maker's mark; crisp engine-turned finish; deep-struck Birmingham hallmarks; slim, ergonomic pocket-profile.
Material & Composition
Sterling Silver (.925 purity). The base is likely a hollow-form silver sheet; interior may have originally featured an elastic band or silver retaining arm.
Finish & Decoration
The exterior features fine engine-turned ('guilloché') linear engraving in a vertical orientation. High-polish interior and beveled edges reflecting the late Victorian/Edwardian transition style.
Hallmarks & Stamps
British Hallmarks for Birmingham: 'W.H.H' (Maker's mark for William Hair Haseler), 'Lion Passant' (Sterling Silver purity), 'Anchor' (Birmingham Assay Office), and likely an Edwardian-era date letter (partially obscured but consistent with c. 1900-1915).
Construction Details
Precision die-struck two-part construction. The halves are joined by a low-profile pin hinge. The interior shows evidence of hand-finishing near the clasp mechanism.
Functional Features
Spring-loaded clasp closure with a thumb-piece release. Designed to be airtight enough to prevent tobacco from drying out while remaining slim for pocket carry.
Handle & Grip Details
Integrated thumb-press for opening; no external handle. The engine-turned surface provides a functional grip to prevent the case from slipping from the hand.
Craftsmanship Details
Excellent tool-and-die work. The engine turning is perfectly aligned, indicating the use of high-quality rose engine lathes favored by top-tier Birmingham workshops.
Authentication Indicators
Hallmarks are struck in the correct sequence (Maker, Purity, Office, Date). The wear pattern on the engraving is consistent with genuine silver rather than plated brass. The strike depth of the stamps matches known W.H.H examples.
Origin & Manufacturing
Birmingham, England. Birmingham was the global hub for 'smallwork' (personal silver items) due to its specialized industrial tool-and-die workshops.
Era & Period
Edwardian Period (1901-1910). The geometric precision of the decoration presages the Art Deco movement while retaining the heavy, high-quality gauge silver typical of the late Victorian era.
Age Estimate
Circa 1905. The specific style of the W.H.H mark and the crispness of the engine turning suggest the peak of Haseler's independent production.
Cultural Significance
During the Edwardian era, carrying a silver cigarette case was a mark of social standing and refinement, used during the 'after-dinner smoke' ritual in gentlemen's clubs and private estates.
Condition Notes
Good antique condition. The hallmarks are clear and well-defined. There are visible surface scratches and 'pocket wear' consistent with age. Minor tarnish is present in the hallmark recesses. No significant dents or structural splits are visible in the provided image.
Value Estimate
$150 - $250 USD. Value is driven by the silver weight, the reputation of W.H. Haseler, and the overall condition of the hinge and clasp.
Care & Maintenance
Clean with a soft cotton cloth and a high-quality silver cream like Wright's. Avoid abrasive dips which can strip the detail from the fine engine-turning. Store in a Pacific Silvercloth pouch to prevent tarnish.
Similar Pieces
Asprey of London cases (higher price point, often gilded), Gorham American sterling cases (different hallmark system), or contemporary EPNS (Nickel Silver) plated versions which lack the Lion Passant mark.
Interesting Facts
W.H. Haseler was the actual manufacturer for many of Liberty & Co.'s most famous silver designs. While this case is a standard luxury item, the maker's pedigree is linked to the highest levels of British design history.