French Silver & Niello Cigarette & Vesta Case Concealed Tinder Cord

French Silver & Niello Cigarette & Vesta Case Concealed Tinder Cord

Code: FA0338

SOLD

A lovely late 19th century fine quality French silver and niello cigarette case. The lid hinges open to the side to reveal the gilded cigarette compartment and the concealed tube which would have held a wick/tindercord to provide your light. To the side of the case is a wheel to wind the wick up and down to extinguish the flame. In the base of the case, a further hinged compartment stores the remainder of the wick and a vesta section with space for matches separated by a hinged striker plate.

The case is a lovely shape with curved edges and very pretty finely detailed decoration and has a gilded vacant cartouche on one side.

It has French hallmarks on the flange inside the main lid dating for c.1880.


It measures 10cm by 6cm wide and 1.8cm deep and weighs 109g/3.5ozt.

Condition is very good but with some small dents to either end with some associated small losses to the niello. A further tiny loss on one side and some appropriate surface wear. There is some expected discolouration to the striker plate and interior of the vesta compartment. The hinges are all fine and close well and the winder wheel is fine also.