French Art Deco 18K Yellow Gold Cigarette Case with Vermeil Interior
Cigarette Case / Personal Vanity Accessory · Yellow Gold exterior with a pale champagne-toned gold wash interior; the yellow gold is a traditional French 18K alloy containing copper and silver.
Purity: 18K (750/1000) solid gold frame and exterior, often featuring a heavy gold vermeil (wash) on the interior silver or lower karat base for aesthetic contrast.
Type
Cigarette Case / Personal Vanity Accessory
Purity
18K (750/1000) solid gold frame and exterior, often featuring a heavy gold vermeil (wash) on the interior silver or lower karat base for aesthetic contrast.
Gold Type
Yellow Gold exterior with a pale champagne-toned gold wash interior; the yellow gold is a traditional French 18K alloy containing copper and silver.
Weight
120 - 180 grams (solid gold cases of this era are substantial to prevent denting)
Description
An exquisite example of a gentleman's accessory from the Roaring Twenties. This 18K yellow gold cigarette case features a sophisticated curved 'coke bottle' silhouette, engineered to sit flush against the body. The interior is meticulously finished with a golden wash and retains its original textile straps. It represents the pinnacle of early 20th-century luxury portable art.
Key Features
Curved ergonomic body, multi-barrel security hinge, hallmark placement on the interior bezel, and original preservation of the interior retaining bands.
Color & Finish
High-polish yellow gold exterior; matte/satin brushed gold finish on the interior to hide scratches from contents. Visible darkening (tarnish/patina) along the inner edges.
Hallmarks & Stamps
Eagle's Head (Tête d'Aigle) French hallmark for 18K gold; visible small rectangular maker's mark on the left interior rim; likely a partial 'Or' stamp or lozenge-shaped master mark of a Parisian goldsmith.
Dimensions Estimate
Height: 85mm, Width: 80mm, Depth: 10mm; contoured 'barrel' or 'curved' shape designed to fit comfortably in a breast pocket.
Gemstones & Inlays
No visible gemstones; features two original silk/elastic woven holding straps with gold retaining clips.
Clasp & Closure
Integrated thumb-push button clasp at the top; high-tension hidden pressure tongue for secure closure and a distinctive 'click'.
Chain & Links
N/A - Features a multi-barrel integrated piano hinge providing smooth 180-degree opening without play or wobble.
Craftsmanship Details
Hand-formed sheets of gold; precision-soldered bezel; machine-turned interior finish; hand-fitted hinge pins ensuring perfectly flush closure.
Authentication Indicators
Clear 'Eagle's Head' stamp indicating French 18K standard; crispness of the interior rim finish; density indicated by the thickness of the metal walls; absence of base metal 'brassing' at high-friction hinge points.
Origin & Maker
France (likely Paris); the hallmark style and interior layout are consistent with high-end French maisons such as Carties or Van Cleef & Arpels style, though potentially a specialist goldsmith like Jean Trottair.
Era & Period
Art Deco (circa 1920-1935); characterized by the sleek, geometric curved silhouette and functional elegance.
Age Estimate
Circa 1925-1930; consistent with the height of European tobacco culture and the shift toward streamlined industrial design.
Cultural Significance
Represents the transition of gold from purely ornamental (jewelry) to functional everyday objects for the elite class during the Belle Époque and Art Deco transitions.
Condition Notes
Very Good; the exterior shows light surface swirling, interior shows moderate oxidation/tarnish consistent with age. Silk bands are frayed and have lost elasticity. Hinge is tight and clasp is functional.
Value Estimate
Melt value approximately $6,000 - $8,000; Collector/Market value $10,000 - $15,000 depending on identifying the specific maker's mark.
Care & Maintenance
Clean with a soft microfiber cloth; avoid ultrasonic cleaners which can damage the delicate silk straps; professional hand-polishing only to preserve the crispness of the hallmarks.
Similar Items
Sterling silver cases (more common), 9K gold English cases (lighter weight), and lacquered or enameled Art Deco cases (more decorative).
Interesting Facts
Cigarette cases were ultimate status symbols in the 1920s; they were often presented as gifts at the conclusion of successful business deals or as romantic tokens, often engraved with secret messages on the interior.