Edwardian Sterling Silver Cigarette Case by William Hair Haseler
Cigarette Case / Personal Accessory · William Hair Haseler (W.H.H.). Established in Birmingham in 1870, Haseler was a prestigious silversmith famous for his partnership with Liberty & Co. in the production of the 'Cymric' silver and 'Tudric' pewter ranges.
Pattern: Engine-turned Art Deco precursor. This piece is a classic Edwardian-style utility item with a rectangular form, typically featuring linear engraving.
Type
Cigarette Case / Personal Accessory
Maker
William Hair Haseler (W.H.H.). Established in Birmingham in 1870, Haseler was a prestigious silversmith famous for his partnership with Liberty & Co. in the production of the 'Cymric' silver and 'Tudric' pewter ranges.
Material
Sterling Silver (.925 purity). Solid silver construction, potentially with a gilded (vermeil) interior common for cigarette cases of this era.
Dimensions
Estimated at 8.5cm x 7cm; weight typically ranges between 80g to 120g depending on thickness. This was a standard pocket-size case for the early 20th century.
Description
An elegant sterling silver cigarette case from 1907, crafted by the renowned Birmingham maker W.H. Haseler. This piece embodies the transition from Victorian ornamentation to the sleek functionality of the early 20th century. The interior retains its original hallmarks, struck with exceptional clarity, and the hinge construction is indicative of the high-quality craftsmanship expected from a Liberty & Co. supplier.
Key Features
W.H.H. maker's mark, exceptionally clear Birmingham hallmarks, 1907 date letter, and robust three-part integrated hinge.
Material & Composition
Sterling Silver (.925 purity). Solid silver construction, potentially with a gilded (vermeil) interior common for cigarette cases of this era.
Finish & Decoration
Satin or matte interior finish as shown. The exterior likely features engine-turned linear engraving or a smooth polished surface. There are visible traces of light tarnish and surface abrasions.
Hallmarks & Stamps
Full British hallmarks: 'W.H.H' (Maker's mark for William Hair Haseler), Anchor (Birmingham Assay Office), Lion Passant (.925 Sterling Silver purity), and the date letter 'h' in a shield (dating the piece to 1907).
Construction Details
Die-struck and machine-finished with hand-soldered hinges. The interior shows the characteristic texture of heavy rolling and polishing.
Functional Features
Spring-loaded hinge and a push-button clasp mechanism. The visible hinge suggests a sturdy, precision-engineered flip-open design.
Handle & Grip Details
N/A - the 'grip' is provided by the profile of the case edges and the thumb-piece of the clasp.
Craftsmanship Details
Excellent hallmark striking and precision hinge alignment. The interior finishing shows the quality of a top-tier Birmingham firm.
Authentication Indicators
Hallmark consistency is excellent; the 'W.H.H' mark is in the correct rectangular punch. The font of the 'h' letter matches the Birmingham 1907 register exactly.
Origin & Manufacturing
Birmingham, England. Produced in the world-renowned Jewelry Quarter which was the center of silver production for personal accessories during this period.
Era & Period
Edwardian Era (1901-1910). The geometric precision and hallmark date indicate late Edwardian production leading into Art Deco influences.
Age Estimate
Dated 1907 based on the 'h' date letter hallmark.
Cultural Significance
Cigarette cases were ultimate status symbols in the early 20th century. Taking a case like this out in a social setting was a highly coded gesture of refinement and class.
Condition Notes
Good antique condition. There is visible surface tarnish and light 'pocket wear' scratches. The interior shows some spotting likely from moisture over time. Hinge appears intact.
Value Estimate
$150 - $300 USD. Value depends heavily on the exterior design—if it features high-relief engraving or Art Nouveau motifs, price increases.
Care & Maintenance
Clean with a soft cloth and a gentle silver polish like Wright’s Silver Cream. Avoid dips as they can damage hinges. Store in a Pacific Silvercloth bag to prevent tarnish.
Similar Pieces
Smith & Bartlam cigarette cases or Mappin & Webb cases. Haseler's work is often valued higher due to the Liberty & Co. association.
Interesting Facts
Haseler was the primary silver manufacturer for Liberty of London's 'Cymric' line. While this item may be a standard Haseler piece, the quality of its construction reflects the same workshop standards as high-end Arts & Crafts items.