Niello Silver Cigarette Case with Integrated Watch and Vesta Case
Record status
Individual type · partial
Period
circa 1910
This object is a combined multi-functional accessory from the early twentieth century, integrating a timepiece, a cigarette case, and a vesta (match) case. The rectangular, curved silver case is finished with niello decoration.
The front features a niello scene depicting three young women in a garden, with an integrated watch dial positioned above this panel. The watch is a keyless-winding mechanism with a three-quarter gilt plate and a cylinder escapement. The dial is gilt with engine-turned decoration, Arabic numerals, and blue steel hands. The interior of the case is gilt and fitted with elastic bands for cigarette retention. A hinged match compartment is located inside the front lid, featuring a lid decorated with an engraving of two horse heads.
The case opens via a button set with a blue cabochon stone and incorporates a piano hinge along the left edge.
Evidence at a glance
- Linked sources
- 1
- Photograph views
- 1
- Catalogue references
- 0
Counts describe this entry’s documentation, not authenticity, rarity or completeness. Photographs may show one specimen; check each caption and licence.
Technical characteristics
- Date
- circa 1910
- Dial
- Gilt, engine-turned, Arabic numerals
- Type
- Cigarette case with watch and match compartment
- Material
- Silver with niello decoration
- Release mechanism
- Button with blue cabochon
Design
- Visible features
- • Niello scene on the front shows three young women. • Release button is set with a blue cabochon stone. • Internal match compartment lid features an engraved motif of two horse heads. • Back panel displays an oval frame with floral motifs surrounding a plain silver center.
- Movement and Dial
- The timepiece integrated into the case employs a three-quarter gilt plate movement featuring a keyless-winding system and a revolving barrel. The escapement is of the cylinder type, utilizing a polished steel cylinder and steel escape wheel. The balance assembly consists of a simple gilt cock with a polished steel regulator and a three-armed gilt balance wheel paired with a blued steel hairspring. The dial is composed of gilt brass, featuring engine-turned decoration, Arabic numerals, and blued steel hands.
- Interior and Functionality
- The interior of the cigarette case is finished with a gilt coating and includes elasticated bands to secure the cigarettes. Situated within the inside of the front lid is both the housing for the watch mechanism and a vesta case for matches. The vesta compartment is equipped with a rectangular, hinged lid, which is decorated with an engraving of the heads of two horses. The edges of these interior frames are further reinforced with decorative lattice or mesh pieces.
- Case and Exterior Decoration
- The object is a rectangular, curved silver cigarette case utilizing niello inlay as its primary decorative technique. The front of the case depicts a scene of three young women situated in a garden, with a timepiece mounted directly above this central niello panel. The watch itself is accessed via the exterior, with a small winding and setting button positioned adjacent to the dial. The reverse side of the case contains an oval frame ornamented with foliage, leaving the central silver portion plain. The case hinges are designed as a piano hinge located on the left side, and the mechanism is secured by a button set with a blue cabochon stone on the right, which releases the lid.
Identification
- Source note
- Facts transcribed from the linked source listing or collection record. Attribution and specifications are source-reported and have not been independently authenticated.
Catalogue references
No catalogue numbers recorded. Numbers are only published once transcribed from a verified edition of a standard catalogue — they are never inferred.
Research required
- Research required: The maker of the watch and the case is not identified in the source.
- Research required: The specific place of manufacture is not stated in the source.