Precious Cigarette Case Made of Gold with Initials "G.S.", St. Petersburg

Today, a new car or a smartphone are status symbols and a beautiful gift - in earlier times, the choice of present often fell on completely different things, which were no less precious but at the same time artistic and of high mastery. Silver and gold boxes for snuff, and later for cigarettes or business cards, were one of the most popular gifts in the 19th century and well into the 20th century, gifts for weddings and family birthdays. This extremely luxurious case for cigarettes was certainly once such a gift. It is made of slightly reddish gold and polished to a shine. The pusher with which the case can be opened is set with a blue sapphire cabochon as a splash of colour. On the lid we read two intertwined letters "G S" in yellow gold, the initials of its first owner. The case is rectangular and slightly curved at the sides. Thanks to the generous dimensions of 6.2 x 9.6 cm, even modern cigarettes can be easily inserted into the case. Two eyelets on each side are used to attach elastic bands to hold the cigarettes in place. Weighing in at a hefty 95.0 grams, it is heavy in the hand. The hallmarks on the case reveal that it was made in St. Petersburg before 1899, but we think it was probably made around 1890. It has been very well preserved in its original velvet, silk and leather case.

Estimación:€14,890

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