Antique Sterling Silver Engraved Cigarette Case - Victorian/Edwardian For Sale

• This is an AntiqueVictorian or Edwardian sterling silver cigarette case, decorated with highly detailedrepoussé and chased metalwork.
• Small British silversmith assay marks are visible near the lower right corner, which can help date the exact year and city of manufacture.
• These cases were highly popular luxury accessories from the late 19th to early 20th centuries, used by high-society individuals to hold calling cards or tobacco.
• The raised floral motifs, flowing foliage scrollwork, and scalloped shell corners are classic examples of Late-Victorian craftsmanship.
• The oval emblem in the center is hand-engraved with the inscription.
• The top stamp shows the initials of the specific silversmith workshop where the case was crafted:
• Lion Passant:The second mark is a walking lion, which serves as the official British guarantee that the piece is made of solid.925 sterling silver.
• Date Letter:The third mark is the lowercase letter\"i\"inside a stylized shield cartouche. In the Birmingham assay cycle, this specific typeface designates the production year1908.
• Town Mark:The fourth mark is ananchor, which represents the officialBIRMINGHAM ASSAY OFFICE where the metal\'s purity was tested and verified.

The interior reveals that the case is lined withgold gilding (often called vermeil)and features afabric tension bandused to secure paper calling cards or cigarettes in place.This interior gold-wash layer was purposely applied by the silversmith to protect the sterling silver exterior from tarnishing or reacting to the contents held inside.
The oval stamp in the center is theretailer\'s mark, which identifies where the item was originally sold.