Instead of carrying cigarettes in the box they were sold in, many upper-class people would place them in cigarette cases instead, many displaying intricate etchings or photos. Nowadays these are prized collectibles that are displayed instead of used. If you are a collector, you’ll want to check out these six vintage cigarette cases.
6. Edwardian 9k Rose Gold & Enamel Case
Our sixth unique cigarette case is an Edwardian English 9-karat rose gold and enamel case. The curved shape helped the case fit better in pockets, but the real interest is the front of the case. The enamel panel depicts four jockeys riding horses in a race with spectators in the background. On the bottom of the panel, there is an embellishment reading “Cambridgeshire 1902.”
5. Japanese Damascene Komai Styled Yellow Gold Case
The next cigarette case originates from Japan, dating to around 1920, and was designed in an Anglo-Japanese style. Its damascene style was achieved with oxidized metal and decorated with a Japanese landscape on the front. Though the artist can not be deciphered from their signature, this piece is very beautiful.
4. Art Deco Charlton & Co. 1920s Enamelled Cigarette Case
Shiny enough to light up a room is our fourth selection, an Art Deco Charlton & Co. Enameled Cigarette Case from the 1920s. The case is made from 18-karat gold and black enamel detailing, creating an intricate latticework of lily stems. Charlton & Co. was a thriving company until the depression forced them to close several branches.
3. Victorian Greyhound Sterling Silver Case
If you like dogs, then you’re sure to love this vintage cigarette case. The Victorian case is made of sterling silver and enamel and has a rounded shape to fit in pockets. The star of the show is of course the enamel panel of two greyhound dogs in a rural setting. The vibrant colors and detail are a selling point for this case.
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2. Russian Enamel Cigarette Case
Probably the most detailed on our list, this Russian cigarette case is covered in an enamel design of bright florals and sweeping filigree. A small turquoise-blue thumbpiece completes the design, along with rounded edges to fit in pockets. The coolest part is the enamel, which is glass that’s heated and laid onto the metal, fusing the two.
1. 1950s Mother of Pearl Cigarette Case
Our last selection for vintage cigarette cases is this 1950s Mother of Pearl cigarette case, made from 24-karat gold-plated metal. The mother-of-pearl is arranged in a checkerboard pattern, giving it a unique shine in different types of light. Though this one does not have rounded edges to fit into a pocket, the design is worth displaying in your hand or on the table.
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