linear design, spring loaded opening, stamped "Tiffany & Co.", otherwise unmarked, parts tested 14kt
Designed as a solid silver cigarette case, with gilt interior, centering upon a realistically rendered example of Eryngium maritimum, colloquially known as sea holly, or blue thistle, in the Art Nouveau style, circa 1900. Hallmarks: German marks: 800 for silver and maker's mark. Condition: Excellent. Spring and hinges are working. Very light signs of use commensurate with age. Size: 3.5 x 2.4 ins. Weight: 55.6 g
Japanese cigarette holders from this period are very numerous and of different quality, often simple with landscape decoration, sometimes mediocre, some are even vulgar copies in simply gilded metal, but here we have an absolutely exceptional example
Engraved Hermes Paris on bottom of container