American Art Deco Sterling Silver and Vermeil Cigarette Case with Jadeite Inset
Cigarette Case / Tobacciana Accessory · Unidentified American Silversmith. The 'Sterling' mark in an oval cartouche is characteristic of several mid-tier American manufacturers of the early 20th century, often producing for retailers like Tiffany or Cartier, though no secondary maker's mark is currently visible.
Pattern: Art Deco Geometric / Vanity Collection; generic pattern-less exterior focusing on material contrast and gemstone accents.
Type
Cigarette Case / Tobacciana Accessory
Maker
Unidentified American Silversmith. The 'Sterling' mark in an oval cartouche is characteristic of several mid-tier American manufacturers of the early 20th century, often producing for retailers like Tiffany or Cartier, though no secondary maker's mark is currently visible.
Material
Sterling Silver (.925 purity) with heavy Gold Wash (Vermeil) on the interior. The central inset is an oval-cut Jadeite or Spinach Jade cabochon.
Dimensions
Estimated 4 x 3 inches (approx. 10 x 7.5 cm). Weight is estimated between 100-150 grams. This size is standard for pre-filtered cigarette lengths of the 1920s-40s.
Description
This classic Art Deco cigarette case represents the height of early 20th-century personal luxury. Crafted from sterling silver, the interior reveals a glowing gold-wash finish that served both an aesthetic purpose and a functional one, preventing the silver from tarnishing against the tobacco. The centerpiece is a striking green jade cabochon, providing a pop of color that was highly fashionable during the period's obsession with Egyptian and Asian influences.
Key Features
High-contrast Vermeil interior; oval jadeite cabochon inset; minimalist Art Deco bezel; recessed 'Sterling' oval stamp.
Material & Composition
Sterling Silver (.925 purity) with heavy Gold Wash (Vermeil) on the interior. The central inset is an oval-cut Jadeite or Spinach Jade cabochon.
Finish & Decoration
The exterior appears to be polished silver; the interior features a bright Vermeil (gold gilt) finish. Decoration is minimalist Art Deco, relying on the contrast between the green jade and the gold-washed interior. Significant surface scratching (swirl marks) indicates heavy historical cleaning or use.
Hallmarks & Stamps
A single recessed 'Sterling' mark is visible in an oval cartouche on the interior bezel. This is an American standard mark used from the late 19th through the mid-20th century.
Construction Details
Precision die-struck panels with a hand-assembled piano hinge. The jade cabochon is bezset through the lid, visible from the interior. The bezel is hand-soldered to the main body frame.
Functional Features
Includes a multi-knuckle piano hinge for durability and a tension-fit closure. The interior would originally have held an elastic or silver retaining bar to secure cigarettes.
Handle & Grip Details
N/A; features a flush-mount thumb piece for opening the spring-less clasp.
Craftsmanship Details
The piano hinge is exceptionally tight, showing high-quality tool-and-die work. The bezel setting for the jade is rolled smoothly, indicating a skilled bench jeweler's involvement in the finishing stages.
Authentication Indicators
The 'Sterling' mark type is consistent with period-accurate American shop standards. The wear pattern on the gold wash and the construction of the hinge suggest an authentic antique rather than a modern reproduction.
Origin & Manufacturing
United States. The 'Sterling' stamp without British hallmarks or European fineness marks (like .800) strongly indicates American manufacture, likely from the silver centers of Providence, RI or Newark, NJ.
Era & Period
Art Deco (1920-1940). The combination of sterling, gold wash, and jade (a popular 'Orientalist' motif of the era) is a hallmark of Jazz Age vanity accessories.
Age Estimate
Circa 1925–1935. The geometric simplicity and jade mounting are peak characteristics of high-end smoking accessories from this specific decade.
Cultural Significance
Smoking accessories were essential social status symbols in the early 20th century. Taking a cigarette from a silver and jade case was a choreographed part of social interaction in jazz clubs and high-society salons.
Condition Notes
Fair to Good. There is significant 'scouring' or heavy scratching on the interior gold wash from abrasive cleaning. Traces of tarnish/oxidation are visible near the hinge. The jade appears intact without visible fractures.
Value Estimate
$250 - $450 USD. The value is driven by the silver weight and the jade inset, though the heavy interior scratching slightly suppresses the premium for condition.
Care & Maintenance
Clean with a very soft, non-abrasive silver cloth. Avoid chemical 'dips' which will strip the delicate gold wash (Vermeil) on the interior. Store in a tarnish-inhibiting pouch.
Similar Pieces
Dunhill or Elgin American cases from the same era; while Elgin often used silver-plate, this sterling example represents a higher tier of craftsmanship. Cartier examples would feature similar jade but usually carry a prominent house signature.
Interesting Facts
During the 1920s, jade was often called 'The Stone of Heaven' and was a favorite of Art Deco designers like Cartier and Jean Dunand for its vibrant green hue and association with exotic luxury.