Russian Trompe-l'oeil Silver Cigar Box 1896

Fine Trompe-l'oeil Silver Cigar Box, St. Petersburg, 1896, engraved with simulated woodgrain, taxbands and the brand name 'HABANA FLOR'. Length 5 7/8 in. (15 cm). Height 2 5/8 in. (6,5 cm). Width 3 1/2 in. (8,7 cm). Weight 18,5 oz. (525 g). Condition: minor scratches from use.

Silver cigar boxes engraved to imitate original wooden boxes were fashionable in Russia from circa 1870s to the early 20th century. The earlier boxes from 1870s-1890s, in general, are of superior quality to later pieces.

$9,800.00

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Engraved Russian inscription on the tax bands reads: "IMPORTED TOBACCO."

Highly polished contrasting borders.

The brand name HABANA FLOR and ribbon tied wreath on the lid are engraved to imitate letters burnt into wood.

Marked with 84 zolotniks (.875 silver), St Petersburg assay mark dated 1896 with assayer's initials of Alexander Sheviakov and master's initials Cyrillic 'M.I' for Mikhail Ivanov.

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