ANTIQUE SILVER CIGARETTE BOXES
Antique Silver cigarette boxes Description:
A type of covered box for the table designed to hold cigarettes or cigars.
Antique Silver cigarette boxes History:
The use of cigars in the UK really only came into vogue in the early part of the 19th century. So the earliest known examples of cigar boxes, designed to keep the tobacco fresh, were made in the latter part of the Georgian period. But cigar boxes from this period are now very rare. The use of tobacco in cigarette form became increasingly popular during and after the Crimean War in the 1850s. But, again, cigarette boxes from this period are rare. The vast majority of cigar and cigarette boxes are from the latter part of the Victorian period with most being made in the 20th century, and they are still being made today.
Antique Silver cigarette boxes Design:
Cigar boxes were generally made larger than cigarette boxes to accommodate their larger size. In both cases the interiors are lined with cedar wood which has the desired effect of keeping the tobacco fresh. Most were also designed with a removable divider that could be slotted into different positions, to provide for varying lengths. The exteriors varied from being ornate with chasing or engraving through to completely plain. They were all made with hinged, tight-fitting lids, and most had a metal plate installed in the base to provide extra weight when being used on the table.
Antique Silver cigarette boxes Collectors Note:
Many cigar and cigarette boxes are now in bad condition with dents, cracks, and interiors that are broken. This is mainly because they were seen as utilitarian pieces of silver designed to be used on a day-to-day basis. Make sure that the hallmarks are clear on both the main body and lid. Check the cedar-lined interior to make sure that there is no damage or missing pieces. The majority of boxes were often given as presentation pieces and were engraved with inscriptions. Because of this many old table boxes have thin areas on the lid or front area where inscriptions have been removed. However, you can rest assured that all our boxes offered for sale have been renovated back to their original condition by professional silvesmiths.