A particularly attractive Art Deco sterling silver and genuine tortoiseshell cigarette case, made by John Thompson & Sons and fully hallmarked for Birmingham 1926.
Of square form with softly rounded corners, the case is constructed with a polished silver frame surrounding beautifully figured tortoiseshell panels to both the front and reverse. The exterior presents a wonderfully rich, deep brown colour, while opening the case reveals the remarkable translucent amber, honey and dark brown figuring of the natural tortoiseshell.
The interior retains its two original woven cigarette retaining straps, an increasingly pleasing feature to find surviving after a century of use.
The silver frame carries the maker's mark JT&S for John Thompson & Sons, together with the Birmingham assay marks and date letter for 1926. It is additionally stamped “PAT. No. 244956”.
The tortoiseshell has been professionally tested and confirmed as genuine tortoiseshell.
A stylish and unusual surviving smoking accessory from the Art Deco period, now approaching its centenary, and an attractive collector's piece in its own right.
Maker: John Thompson & Sons
Assay: Birmingham 1926
Material: Sterling silver and genuine tortoiseshell
Dimensions: approximately 8.5cm × 8cm
Gross weight: 69.7g
Patent: No. 244956
PLEASE NOTE: This item is not in the centre yet
