Summary: This exquisite cigarette case from the Alexander Clark Company is a true treasure for collectors of antique silver. Crafted from high-quality sterling silver (.925) and featuring a beautiful neoclassical design, this piece is a testament to the craftsmanship of the early 20th century. With its delicate decor pattern and hallmark dated 1923, this cigarette case is sure to impress. The colors on the display are mesmerizing, the blue and red beautifully reflect the neoclassical image of a public bath. Perfect for anyone who appreciates the beauty of antique silver, this case is a wonderful addition to any collection. Ideal for displaying or for personal use, it is sure to become a cherished possession. Don't miss your chance to own this rare and stunning item from the Alexander Clark Company.

Condition: With no structural damage (punctures, missing pieces, dents, etc), this cigarette case resembles near-new condition. Scratches are apparent within the case, however are nearly missing from the outside! The colors on the illustration of the ancient public bath scene are still vibrant. The cigarette bands (both present) within the case are not flimsy, and are practically functional. The hinges are secure, and the button action opening and closing mechanism are all functional. Overall in amazing condition considering the age.

Dimensions: 117 grams - L: 3.0 in, W: 3.0 in, H: 0.7 in.

History: Featuring the Alexander Clark Company hallmark registered in 1912, this company can be dated to the 20th century. Following the letter dating system for the British assay office guidelines, we can date this sterling silver (lion) cigarette box to 1923 (y), of Birmingham (anchor). I confidently date this antique to 1923.

Clift Alexander Mawer Clark formed his company in 1891, registering at the address of 138 Fenchurch Street, London likely for small scale manufacturing and retail purposes (ref. 1). At this time, the name of the company is The Alexander Clark Manufacturing Co (ref. 2). With underlying success in the first location, and a new partner in the company (Robert Frederick Mosley - son of R.F. Mosley), the company decides to expand into new markets by opening a 'Portland' Leather Works manufacturing operation at 29 Market Place, Oxford Street, London (1894-1910) (ref 1, 2 & 8). With the expansion, we can assert the fact that the company is then a manufacturing and retail operation (which supplies goods from Robert F. Mosley and Clift Alexander Mawer Clarks manufacturing factories). The companies hallmark on silvers as seen in 1898 is a simple A.C, in accordance with reference 6. By the 1900s, the company expands throughout England (ref. 2). By 1900 in London, the company picks up a new location at 188 Oxford Street, London and maintains it through the period of 1900 to 1915 (ref. 2). In 1912, the firm converts into a limited liability company and changes name to The Alexander Clark Co Ltd (ref. 2). Also in 1912, the company advertises the ability to reproduce historical silver pieces like silver from the Tudor period (ref. 2). By 1909-1910, the company drops the 29 Market Place location, and moves operations to 125-126 Fenchurch Street, London and maintains the location from 1909 to 1918 (ref. 2). By 1918, the company employs over 600 employees as silversmiths, cutlers, and experts in mounting precious stones (jewelers), and specializes in silver, electroplate, cutler, and high quality leather goods (ref. 2). The "Welbeck '' silver plate antiques are of their "welbeck silver plate production capabilities which the company advertises in 1918 (ref. 2). Outside of London, the company is mostly active at Welbeck Works, Randall Street, Sheffield (under the ownership of Robert F. Mosley), later transferring in 1918 to James Street Works, St. Pauls, Birmingham (ref. 2). The Sheffield and Birmingham locations are mostly known for their productions in sterling silvers, silver plate, and cutler works (ref. 8). At the Birmingham location, the company is known to produce stainless steel flatware, and continues up to the 1940s (ref. 2). By 1921, the company acquires a location at 38-40 Mitre Street, Aldgate, London and in Sheffield acquires the location of 17 Sycamore Street, Sheffield (ref. 2). On September 25th, 1938, Clift Alexander Mawer Clark dies in accordance with the London Gazette dating to February 3rd, 1939 (ref. 4). By 1941, the company acquires 38 Leadenhall Street, London (ref. 2 & 3). The company does not progress after the 1940s, and ceases trading for reasons not known (ref. 7 & 8).

Uniqueness: With the vibrant blue and red display of the ancient bath scene, surrounded by a fine silver frame on the decor cigarette case, this antique serves those who appreciate the color scheming and neoclassical usage. Being that I cannot find any similar cigarette cases on the market at this time, the antique itself is unique and in this quality is well preserved. The fact that the bands within the case remain intact and not flimsy is rare for antique cigarette cases.

Important: Offering free shipping, a 30-day return period, and open to negotiations on matters of price. Please reach out to me if you're interested in receiving more information or photos of the antique. Shipments will be sent out upon payments. Measurements can be rough and of human error, if you'd like a re-measurement for clarity purposes please message me. IMPORTANT: Please make sure the right address is sent to me, I will verify this in an email before I ship to you.

References:

1. https://www.silvercollection.it/ENGLACLARK.html

2. https://www.acsilver.co.uk/shop/pc/Alexander-Clark-Co-Ltd-b656.htm

3. https://www.gracesguide.co.uk/Alexander_Clark_Manufacturing_Co

4. https://www.medalbook.com/makers/alexander-clark-co--ltd

5. https://www.925-1000.com/dlBirmingham.html

6. https://www.silvermakersmarks.co.uk/Makers/Birmingham-AC-AH.html#AC

7. https://collections.westminster.org.uk/index.php/the-alexander-clark-co-ltd

8. https://hawleysheffieldknives.com/n-fulldetails.php?val=cL&kel=397