Japanese Pagoda Motif Cigarette Case

Much like Chinese export silver, Japanese export silver was popular in the late 19th to early 20th centuries. Japanese export silver is most commonly marked 950 Sterling Silver. 950 represents 95/100 parts silver, which is 2.5% higher than the British sterling standard of 925/100 parts silver.

The case has a beautifully engraved scene of a Mountain, a pagoda, and flowers, the flowers and mountain continuing onto the back. These engravings are amid the wonderfully patinated silver which has turned an almost gunmetal color. 

Inside there are 4 small compartments, once for cigarettes, with expansion metal bands across each to hold them in place. These bands are likely original, definitely appropriate for the era. The case itself has a fully functional button and spring activated hinge. 

The compartments fit filterless cigarettes, and may hold 1 and 1/4 papers, but please refer to the dimensions below.

*Atelier Vespoint does not condone or promote the use of or smoking of tobacco or cigarettes. Cigarettes used for size reference only.*

Specifications:

Manufacturer: Unknown

Era: 1910/20's

Origin: Japan

Dimensions: 153x53x17mm, 153x56x17mm with Button, 4x Compartments 73x46x9mm

Metal: 950 Sterling Silver

Hallmarks: Sterling Silver 950 

Weight: 135.8g