Solid Silver And Vermeil Business Card/cigarette Case With Secret Photo Compartment. Uk

A very rare business card case with a concealed photo frame.

The case is rectangular with rounded edges and made of plain silver.

The hinged lid reveals a slot for business cards.

The space seems too small for cigarettes, but perhaps for slim ones.

Once opened, the front panel tilts to reveal a photo frame. The interior of this compartment is gilt silver with a white silver frame that contrasts beautifully against the gold background.

The frame still contains its photograph of a man dressed in early 20th-century fashion.

The case is hallmarked:

Lion passant for English sterling silver

An anchor for the city of Birmingham

Date letter D for the year 1903-1904
Poorly struck silversmith's hallmark, but probably WB Ltd in a heart for Williams Ltd. Williams Ltd was founded in Birmingham in 1896 and is a silversmith renowned for the quality of its craftsmanship.

Superb, generously sized case with a very rare secret photo frame.

9.4 x 7.2 cm
1.2 cm thick

136 grams

Good condition. Minor scratches from use.

Collection in Paris or shipping via insured Colissimo.
France: €15
Europe: €20
Rest of the World: €35