An early 20th century silver cigarette case hand enamelled with an adorable image of two kittens playing with a ball. The image covers the majority of the top and is painted directly to the silver. The turquoise carpet is a lovely soft tone and the overall look is a delight.

The case is of gently curved form and opens using a spring catch to the front. It is gilded to the interior. The interior is also marked with the Austrian/Bohemian 'Diana' hallmark for .900 grade silver (slightly below Sterling), along with the numbers 2981. The town letter in the hallmark is for Vienna. It is further stamped AA on the underside of the catch.

To the reverse is an inscription in Hungarian dated 1919, this would seem fairly contemporaneous with the item itself, so it was likely presented as a gift from new. The inscription is: Szippantani jó de vége hamar Csacsi mind aki többet akar? - Something like 'It's good to inhale but over soon, everyone's an ass who wants more?'

Condition

Normal period wear with light scratches to the silver. Some light scratches to the enamel but nothing which penetrates to the silver below. Minor wear and ageing to the gilt interior and one of the loops which held elastic is broken. Small patch of scratches to interior near one elastic loop. Hinge, catch and spring mechanism all working fine. One edge stays slightly ajar when case is closed.

Measurements (Approx)

Width: 8.5 cm ( 3 3/8 inch )

Height: 5.4 cm ( 2 1/8 inch )

Weight: 102 grams (before packing)

Stock Code: 2951 MY22-2