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. Of course, it may actually be a 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.
Instruments and Implements Antique Smoking Related
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