Rare Imperial Russian Sterling Silver Cigarette Case Circa 1880-1890

Antiques : Silver, Sterling

 

We are pleased to offer this unusual antique Russian sterling silver cigarette case. It is an interesting example of trompe l'oeil: the cigarette case is disguised as a woman's purse. (Reminds me of a teenage girl trying to hide her smoking from Mom and Dad!) It is solid sterling and heavy: weighs more than 1/2 pound. Marks: Assay marks of Ivan Andreyevich, 84 silver standard marks, kokoskirk facing left, and maker's mark of N. Bilibin (1868-1890). The size is: 3 1/2" wide, 3 1/4" long, with a very heavy silver chain that is 16" long. The purse/case is over 1/2" thick. It is engraved with scrolling flora, including a center framed tobacco leaf.

Item ID: 31