French Art Deco Sterling Silver Concave Cigarette Case
Cigarette Case / Tobacciana · Unidentified French Silversmith; the hallmark indicates French origin, likely a Parisian workshop known for small 'bijouterie' or personal luxury effects during the peak of the Art Deco period.
Pattern: Non-patterned Art Deco minimalist design with a soft 'cushion' or 'tombac' curvature, typical of 1920s geometric functionalism.
Type
Cigarette Case / Tobacciana
Maker
Unidentified French Silversmith; the hallmark indicates French origin, likely a Parisian workshop known for small 'bijouterie' or personal luxury effects during the peak of the Art Deco period.
Material
Sterling Silver (.925) or French First Standard (.950). Features original elasticized textile retention straps and a non-precious metal tension spring for the clasp mechanism.
Dimensions
Estimated at 10cm x 8cm; weight approximately 120-150 grams. This is a gentleman's standard size designed for roughly 10-12 unfiltered cigarettes.
Description
An elegant example of French Art Deco personal luxury, this silver cigarette case features a sophisticated concave profile designed to follow the contour of the wearer. Its interior reveals a shimmering silver surface and original textile bands, reflecting the high-society nightlife of the Jazz Age. The minimalist aesthetic emphasizes the quality of the metal and the precision of the French silversmith's joinery.
Key Features
Concave ergonomic curvature, French Minerva hallmark, integrated flush-mounted hinge, and original interior elastic straps.
Material & Composition
Sterling Silver (.925) or French First Standard (.950). Features original elasticized textile retention straps and a non-precious metal tension spring for the clasp mechanism.
Finish & Decoration
High-polish mirror finish on the interior with a soft satin or engine-turned patina likely on the exterior. The design is 'streamline moderne' with a concave ergonomic curve intended to fit comfortably against the body in a breast pocket.
Hallmarks & Stamps
A French 'Minerva' head hallmark is visible on the inner lip (left side of the top lid), indicating 950 or 800 silver. A lozenge-shaped maker's mark is partially visible next to it, which is the standard French format for silversmith identification.
Construction Details
Precision die-struck sheets with hand-soldered hinge assemblies and bezel-set interior rims. The piece demonstrates high-quality French assembly with integrated 'invisible' hinge pins.
Functional Features
Push-button thumb release clasp, spring-loaded hinge, and internal strap anchors for securing contents. The concave bow is a specific functional feature for ergonomic pocket carrying.
Handle & Grip Details
Integrated thumb-grip on the clasp and smooth rounded edges for comfortable handling; no external handles.
Craftsmanship Details
Superior bezel fitment ensures an airtight seal to keep tobacco fresh. The hallmarking is crisp, and the tension in the clasp indicates expert hand-vetted assembly.
Authentication Indicators
The Minerva assay mark is consistent with French silver production; wear patterns on the push-button mechanism suggest authentic age; the gauge of the silver is appropriately heavy for French luxury goods.
Origin & Manufacturing
France, likely Paris. France was the world leader in luxury silver accessories during the interwar period, adhering to strict purity standards verified by state assay offices.
Era & Period
Art Deco (1920-1935). The sleek, unornamented interior and geometric curved profile are hallmarks of the Machine Age aesthetic.
Age Estimate
Circa 1925-1930 based on the hinge construction, hallmark style, and the height of cigatette case popularity in European social culture.
Cultural Significance
Cigarette cases were essential fashion accessories in the early 20th century, serving as 'calling cards' of status. Reaching for a silver case in a club or theater was a choreographed social gesture representing sophistication.
Condition Notes
Very Good. The interior shows light tarnish and 'ghosting' from previous contents. The elastic straps are stretched and fragile due to age (oxidized rubber). Hinge alignment appears straight with no visible splits in the silver corners.
Value Estimate
$250 - $450 USD depending on the clarity of the maker's mark and the exterior condition (not shown). French silver carries a premium over American silver-plate equivalents.
Care & Maintenance
Polish with a high-quality silver cream like Wright's; avoid dipping solutions that can damage the internal steel spring or the porous elastic straps. Store in a Pacific Silvercloth sleeve.
Similar Pieces
English cases by designers like Asprey (usually hallmarked with lions) or German 800 silver cases (often more heavily engraved with foliate patterns).
Interesting Facts
Concave cases were often called 'thigh cases' or 'pocket cases' because they were specifically engineered not to bulge out of tailored evening wear.