Finnish Silver Cigarette Case or Compact with Date Inscription
Cigarette Case / Vanity Object · Unknown Finnish Silversmith Workshop (indicated by the boat mark and maker cartouches)
Pattern: Standard mid-century European silver case with custom hand-engraved date
Type
Cigarette Case / Vanity Object
Maker
Unknown Finnish Silversmith Workshop (indicated by the boat mark and maker cartouches)
Material
813S Finnish Silver (containing 81.3 percent pure silver, standard for Finnish silver before transitioning fully to .925 sterling)
Dimensions
Standard pocket-sized silver case, approximately 8 to 10 cm in length, weighing roughly 80 to 120 grams depending on exact thickness
Description
A classic mid-century Finnish silver cigarette case featuring a subtly textured exterior finish. The piece is personalized with a crisp hand-engraved date '24.12-65' on the surface, marking Christmas Eve in 1965. The bottom rim displays a complete and clear set of official Finnish hallmarks, including the crown-in-heart purity stamp, the national sailing boat mark, maker initials, and the 1965 date code letter, confirming its authentic Northern European origin and fineness.
Key Features
Clear and fully legible Finnish hallmark sequence including the crown-in-heart 813S standard mark, boat mark, and specific 'L7' 1965 date letter paired with a personal historical date engraving
Material & Composition
813S Finnish Silver (containing 81.3 percent pure silver, standard for Finnish silver before transitioning fully to .925 sterling)
Finish & Decoration
Brushed or engine-turned surface texture with a hand-engraved commemorative date inscription reading 24.12-65 (Christmas Eve, 1965)
Hallmarks & Stamps
Finnish national silver control marks visible including the crown in a heart shape (fineness mark for 813S), the sail boat within a rectangular frame (national mark for Finland), maker's mark '813H', and annual date code letter 'L7' indicating the year 1965
Construction Details
Die-struck and hand-assembled with integrated hinge and clasp mechanism, standard for mid-century European silver boxes
Functional Features
Hinged lid designed for holding cigarettes, business cards, or folded currency, secured with a push-release clasp
Handle & Grip Details
N/A for flat cases; features a textured finish providing secure tactile grip when opening and closing
Craftsmanship Details
Standard high-quality commercial Finnish silversmithing execution with precise hallmark stamping and clean, deliberate hand-engraving of the commemorative date
Authentication Indicators
Genuine Finnish hallmark stamps struck into the metal with proper punch depth, correct shape of the crown-in-heart fineness symbol, and period-appropriate hand-cut numerical engraving
Origin & Manufacturing
Finland (Helsinki or other regional Finnish assay offices)
Era & Period
Mid-Century Modern (1945-1970), specifically dated to 1965
Age Estimate
Precisely dated to December 24, 1965, based on the engraved date and the 'L7' Finnish date letter mark
Cultural Significance
Reflects mid-20th-century Scandinavian silversmithing standards and the common European custom of gifting personalized, hallmarked precious metal items for milestone holidays and events
Condition Notes
Very good vintage condition showing minor surface wear, expected micro-scratches from handling, and authentic patina appropriate for an item from the mid-1960s
Value Estimate
Moderate collector value ranging from 150 to 300 US dollars, driven primarily by the silver melt weight, Scandinavian origin, and clear diagnostic hallmarks rather than luxury brand prestige
Care & Maintenance
Clean gently using a soft microfiber cloth and a mild silver polish paste if needed, avoiding abrasive pads that could damage the brushed surface finish or soften the antique hallmarks and engraving
Similar Pieces
Scandinavian silver cigarette cases, card cases, and compacts from Danish, Swedish, or Finnish makers utilizing regional standard silver purities
Interesting Facts
The date 24.12 (December 24th) is traditionally the main day for Christmas celebrations and gift-giving in Finland, suggesting this case was given as a significant personal holiday gift in 1965