Eastern Europe, Russia, Imperial Period, ca. 19th to early 20th century CE. A fabulous gilt silver cigar case and separate mouthpiece with a cloisonne exterior. The case is a long hollow cylindrical shape, ideal for holding a single cigar. The top third comes apart from the rest of the container, and a rounded piece of purple glass is inlaid at the top. The mouthpiece has a conical profile and a threaded wooden tip for attaching an orange amber section with an opening for inhalation. The exteriors of the case and mouthpiece are covered in lovely enamel cloisonne in hues of white, blue, red, yellow, pink, purple, green and beige. On the mouthpiece is a small "84" within a recessed square on the mouthpiece and a small rounded face in profile; these marks are not directly next to each other, but both indicate the Russian standard of silver purity. Size of case: 7.5" L x 1" W (19 cm x 2.5 cm); size of mouthpiece: 2.125" L x .675" W (5.4 cm x 1.7 cm); quality of silver: 76.6% to 94.75%; total weight of all: 168.6 grams

Provenance: ex-collection of James Farmer, Maryland, USA, collected from major galleries and auction houses between 1995 and 2005

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#120542

Nicks and pitting to enamel cloisonne. Scratches and abrasions to rims of lid and body. Losses and chips to the amber mouthpiece. Hallmarks are faint on the mouthpiece. Nice patina and vibrant colors throughout.