Edwardian Cased Cigarette Holder
Decorative Art / Personal Accessory • Unknown manufacturer; possibly an English or Continental silversmithing workshop specializing in smoking accessories.
Style & Movement
Edwardian Art Nouveau / Early Art Deco transition
Medium & Technique
Amber or amber-colored glass/bakelite with sterling silver or silver-plated mountings; hand-fitted velvet and silk-lined leatherette case.
Creation Period
Early 20th Century (circa 1900-1920)
Dimensions & Format
Small handheld object; approximately 3-4 inches in length; horizontal cylindrical format.
Subject Description
An elegant personal smoking implement consisting of a mouthpiece and a stem, featuring decorative metallic bands. The object rests in a custom-contoured travel case typical of high-end gentleman's or lady's accessories of the Belle Époque.
Condition & Value Assessment
Condition Assessment
Fair to Good; the object itself appears intact, but the secondary case shows significant wear, fraying of the lining, and structural degradation to the outer shell.
Estimated Market Value
$75 - $150 USD
Auction Estimate
$50 - $125 USD
Provenance History
Likely acquired via retail in the early 20th century; the case contains a retailer's or maker's label ('TRIAN...') which suggests an urban boutique or premium manufacturer origin.
Art Historical Significance
A representative example of the material culture of social smoking in the early 20th century, illustrating the transition from pipe smoking to cigarettes and the demand for luxury portable accessories in European and American society.
Notable Features
Features a distinct retailer label inside the lid and a decorative repoussé or engraved silver band on the holder itself, indicating a higher-tier production quality.
Condition Issues
Visible fraying and loss of the velvet pile; structural cracking and peeling to the exterior leatherette of the case; tarnishing on the metal components of the holder.
Conservation Recommendations
Gentle cleaning of metal with a non-abrasive cloth; stabilization of the case lining to prevent further fraying; storage in a climate-controlled environment to prevent further drying of the case materials.