Description
This is a lovely antique European continental 800 silver small cigarette case with a fancy BEA monogram in the center cartouche. No damage. No dents, no dings, no repair. Need fresh polishing. It is marked 800UKA which was a German maker in the 1920s known for 800 silver pocket items such as this and other etuis which were small, decorative cases used to hold needles, cosmetics, or other small items. Today these small silver cases are often used as wallets and for business cards or other cards. Size is 3 1/8″ north to south by 2″ wide east to west by 3/8″ deep. Weight is 50.3 grams. This case is extremely well made with a very strong spring jointed hinge. It pops open easily and when closed you can hear a very loud snap so you know it is locked in place. It still works great. The front has a fancy Art Deco linear pattern in the silver and the back has the same matching pattern. The perimeter is decorated with small fancy repousee flourishes all the way around. Condition is excellent. No dents or dings. No damage or repair. All original, Never altered. The inside has its original gold gilt that is all intact. Not worn down. This came laid around in an estate for many decades and developed a tarnish mark in a line going around the center. It has not been touched or polished out in many, many years. It must have been wrapped in something that left a tarnish mark front and back. Other than this it is in wonderful condition. Beautiful original case for your antique and vintage silver accessories collection.
- The “800” Purity: This confirms that the case is made of 80% pure silver mixed with 20% copper for structural integrity. German silversmiths heavily favored this precise alloy standard, officially establishing it under the German Imperial Hallmarking Act of 1888.
- The “UKA” Stamp: This is the specific maker’s mark (or factory stamp) for a German silversmith or manufacturer active during the late 19th to early 20th century. Identical “800 UKA” markings are found on historical German-origin pocket items, such as Art Deco personal etuis and specialized 1920s athletic presentation pieces.
- The Monogram & Design: The elegant vertical engine-turned stripes and the central ornate cartouche are classic characteristics of European Art Deco craftsmanship. The stylized, intertwined initials engraved in the center personalized the piece for its original owner.
- The Interior Gilding: The golden hue on the inside is called a vermeil or gold-wash interior. Silversmiths purposefully added this thin layer of gold plating to the interior of cigarette cases. Because tobacco is naturally acidic, it would rapidly tarnish or corrode bare silver; the gold wash acted as a protective barrier to keep the case looking clean.
