Victorian/Edwardian Cigarette Holder in Presentation Case
Decorative Art / Tobacciana object including an amber-hued holder and a fitted leatherette case • Anonymous silversmith or specialized tobacco accessory manufacturer (likely British or Continental European)
Style & Movement
Victorian or Edwardian period decorative arts, utilizing traditional engraving for the monogram and functionalist design for the case
Medium & Technique
Cigarette holder likely made of amber-colored bakelite or celluloid with a sterling silver or silver-plated engraved monogram band; case made of structured leatherette/cloth over wood/cardboard with silk/velvet lining
Creation Period
Late 19th to early 20th century (Circa 1890-1920)
Dimensions & Format
Small handheld object; holder approximately 3-4 inches in length; case approximately 4.5 inches across. Horizontal format.
Subject Description
A personal smoking accessory consisting of a tapered, translucent reddish-brown holder accented by an ornate metallic band featuring a monogram. The object is presented in a custom-fitted hinged protective case with a light-colored interior lining.
Condition & Value Assessment
Condition Assessment
Fair to Good; the holder appears intact, but the case shows significant age-related wear, including fraying of the lining and degradation of the exterior surface
Estimated Market Value
$50 - $150 USD
Auction Estimate
$40 - $120 USD
Provenance History
Unknown; likely a personal heirloom or estate item. The monogram on the band suggests a specific original owner from the late 19th or early 20th century.
Art Historical Significance
Represents the height of social smoking culture during the belle époque; reflects the transition from handmade luxury items to early industrial specialized manufacturing for the growing middle class.
Notable Features
Distinctive custom-engraved monogram on the metal band indicates this was a personalized gift or bespoke purchase; the surviving original case adds historical context and increases collectibility.
Condition Issues
Case exhibits structural fatigue, losses to the exterior covering, and staining/deterioration of the interior fabric lining. Potential tarnish on the metal band and minor surface scratches on the holder.
Conservation Recommendations
Store in a climate-controlled environment away from direct UV light to prevent further drying and cracking of the case; use archival-grade tissue if stored within the case to prevent acidic transfer.