French Art Deco Sterling Silver Curved Cigarette Case
Cigarette Case / Personal Accessory · Likely French manufacture; hallmarks indicate standard continental silver. French silver is known for high-quality engine turning and precision hinge work, often produced in Paris or Lyon workshops.
Pattern: Art Deco Geometric / Plain Curved Style, typically personalized by various ateliers in the early 20th century.
Type
Cigarette Case / Personal Accessory
Maker
Likely French manufacture; hallmarks indicate standard continental silver. French silver is known for high-quality engine turning and precision hinge work, often produced in Paris or Lyon workshops.
Material
Sterling Silver (.925) or French First Standard Silver (.950). Features original elasticized fabric bands for holding cigarettes.
Dimensions
Approximately 8cm x 10cm; estimated weight between 80-120 grams. Designed to fit the curve of a gentleman's vest or trouser pocket.
Description
An elegant Art Deco sterling silver cigarette case of French origin. The piece features a distinctively curved 'clamshell' profile designed to rest comfortably against the body when carried in a pocket. The interior retains its original elastic straps, though they show significant age. The construction is robust yet refined, showcasing the precision engineering that defined the Jazz Age elite's personal accessories.
Key Features
Ergonomic curved form; high-precision multi-knuckle hinge; French Minerva hallmark; original internal hardware hooks.
Material & Composition
Sterling Silver (.925) or French First Standard Silver (.950). Features original elasticized fabric bands for holding cigarettes.
Finish & Decoration
Polished interior with subtle gilding (Vermeil) wash; exterior likely features engine-turned (guilloché) engraving or a high-polish mirror finish typical of the 1920s. Streamlined, ergonomic curved silhouette.
Hallmarks & Stamps
Small hallmark visible on the left interior rim, likely a French 'Minerva' head indicating silver purity, accompanied by a lozenge-shaped maker's mark.
Construction Details
Machine-pressed and hand-finished. Features a five-part integrated hinge and a tension-spring thumb piece for the clasp.
Functional Features
Curved 'body-conscious' profile; spring-loaded snap closure; internal retaining straps; flush-fitted hinges to prevent snagging on clothing.
Handle & Grip Details
Thumb-press release mechanism made of solid silver, integrated into the frame for a seamless Art Deco appearance.
Craftsmanship Details
High-quality lapidary-level hinge fitment; hand-soldered strap anchors; evidence of hand-burnishing on the interior rims.
Authentication Indicators
Hallmark placement on the rim is traditional for French cases; wear patterns around the thumb-press are consistent with decades of use; hinge pin construction matches early 20th-century methods.
Origin & Manufacturing
France; indicated by the shape, the 'leboncoin' watermark (French marketplace), and the specific style of the internal hallmark punch.
Era & Period
Art Deco (1920-1940); characterized by the transition from ornate Victorian styles to functional, geometric, and streamlined industrial design.
Age Estimate
Circa 1925-1935, based on the ergonomic curve which was popular before the standard king-size cigarette became dominant.
Cultural Significance
A symbol of social status and the ritual of smoking in the early 20th century; these cases were often given as graduation, wedding, or military promotion gifts.
Condition Notes
Good antique condition. The silver shows moderate tarnish and light surface scratches. The elastic bands are stretched and frayed. The hinge remains tight and the clasp functions securely. Overall Grade: Very Good.
Value Estimate
$150-$350 USD depending on the exterior decoration and specific maker identification found upon physical inspection.
Care & Maintenance
Polish with a high-quality silver cream (e.g., Wright's); use a soft horsehair brush for hinge crevices. Replace elastic if functional use is desired, though collectors often prefer original components.
Similar Pieces
Dunhill silver cases (often more geometric), Tiffany & Co. engine-turned cases, or British Birmingham-hallmarked rectangular cases (which lack the French curve).
Interesting Facts
Curved cases were specifically marketed to soldiers and gentlemen as 'pocket-friendly,' preventing the silver from digging into the hip or chest compared to flat boxes.