Vintage 14K Yellow Gold Brushed Finish Cigarette Case or Compact
Gold Accessory (Hinged Case/Compact) · Yellow Gold (Traditional alloy with copper and silver). The hue is a classic warm gold characteristic of mid-20th-century jewelry.
Purity: 14K (58.5% Pure Gold). The color and surface wear suggest a solid 14-karat alloy rather than plating, which typically shows base metal 'bleeding' at the edges of deep scratches.
Type
Gold Accessory (Hinged Case/Compact)
Purity
14K (58.5% Pure Gold). The color and surface wear suggest a solid 14-karat alloy rather than plating, which typically shows base metal 'bleeding' at the edges of deep scratches.
Gold Type
Yellow Gold (Traditional alloy with copper and silver). The hue is a classic warm gold characteristic of mid-20th-century jewelry.
Weight
Estimated between 80 to 120 grams depending on wall thickness and internal mechanisms; gold cases are typically heavy due to the large surface area of precious metal.
Description
This exquisite 14K yellow gold case exemplifies Mid-Century luxury. The primary face is finished with a sophisticated horizontal brush stroke that diffuses light, framed by a recessed and highly polished raised border. Such pieces were quintessential accessories for the high-society elite, serving as cigarette cases or makeup compacts. Its substantial feel and understated design make it a premier collector's item for those valuing vintage gold 'objects of vertu.'
Key Features
Contrasting 'Bright & Dull' finish; recessed center panel; rounded ergonomic corners; high-purity solid gold construction.
Color & Finish
Soft honey-yellow with a horizontal 'Satin' or 'Brushed' linear finish. It features mirrored/high-polish beveled borders creating a decorative contrast.
Hallmarks & Stamps
No hallmarks are clearly visible in the provided image. They would typically be found on the interior rim, near the hinge, or on the push-button thumbpiece.
Dimensions Estimate
Approximately 85mm x 65mm (Standard pocket size for a vintage cigarette case or large vanity compact).
Gemstones & Inlays
None visible. The design relies entirely on the contrast between textural brushed gold and polished geometric borders.
Clasp & Closure
Hinged side opening with a presumed integrated pressure-clasp or 'thumb-piece' button (not visible in the frame).
Chain & Links
Not applicable; the item is a solid-shell case with a pin-and-barrel hinge mechanism.
Craftsmanship Details
Precision-engineered hinges and perfectly flush seams. The application of the linear brushed finish requires a steady hand to maintain uniformity against the polished edges.
Authentication Indicators
The depth of color and the way the light catches the brushed grain suggests solid gold. Red flag check: No signs of 'green' oxidation or plating peel at the beveled joints.
Origin & Maker
Likely American or European (Italian/French). High-quality gold cases were a staple of firms like Tiffany & Co., Cartier, or specialized workshops in Vicenza.
Era & Period
Mid-Century Modern (circa 1940s-1960s). The sleek, minimalist aesthetic and linear brushed texture are hallmarks of late Art Deco and Retro-Modern utility items.
Age Estimate
Likely manufactured between 1945 and 1965 based on the style of the satin finishing and the rounded rectangular silhouette.
Cultural Significance
Represents the 'Golden Age' of smoking and social vanity accessories before the cultural shift toward disposable items and health-conscious lifestyles.
Condition Notes
Good to Very Good. The surface shows light 'honest' wear including fine hairline scratches and a few tiny pinpoint dings (common in soft high-karat gold). No signs of major crushing or hinge misalignment.
Value Estimate
High value based on weight. Melting value (Spot x 0.585) would be substantial (approx. $3,500-$5,000 USD), with a collector premium of 20-50% for its vintage aesthetic and brand (if identified).
Care & Maintenance
Clean with a soft microfiber cloth; avoid ultrasonic cleaners if there are internal mirrors or fabrics. Professional hand-polishing can restore the bright borders without damaging the delicate brushed center.
Similar Items
Sterling silver cases (much lighter, prone to tarnish), 18K gold cigarette cases (richer yellow, heavier), or gold-filled 'Ronson' cases (lower value).
Interesting Facts
In the 1940s and 50s, solid gold cigarette cases were considered the ultimate 'status symbol' of professional success, often given as retirement gifts or tokens of affection among the wealthy.