GREAT OLD STERLING SILVER CIGARETTE CASE 100% HAND PAINTED ENAMEL WOMAN & CLOWN

This is a beautiful, antique silver cigarette case with an exceptionally well painted enamel portrait of a clown whispering into the ear of a beautiful woman.  Perhaps it is a depiction “Pierrot and Columbine” from myth.  Regardless, it is charming and the portrait is 100% hand painted enamel, very detailed and elaborate and done by a very skilled artist.  I will also mention that the silver case is exceptional with some very fine repousse work to the front of the case.  This piece has been in my personal collection since the year 2000 and is a very high-quality piece.  The piece in my photos is the actual piece you will received.  Please be sure to read the “Approximate Dimensions” and the “Age and Condition” paragraphs below.

The silver case has two hallmarks, both on the underside of the tab that opens the case.  Neither mark is legible enough to me for me to make any identification of the marks.  From the shape of the marks and the style of repousse work on this case I have always believed this was a French made piece.  I have not had the case tested by a jeweler.

Regardless, it is a fine quality, beautiful and desirable piece!

I do my best to describe all items as accurately and honestly as possible and to the best of my ability.  Some of my photos may be somewhat lighter or darker than actual to better show detail or color.  However, do not hesitate to contact me with any questions, comments, or with requests for additional pictures.  I will get back to you as soon as I am able.  I want your transaction with me to be exactly the way I want mine to be when I am the buyer.

Please take a moment and visit our eBay store “TNK Antiques”.  You can access our store through a link in any of our eBay listings.  Our store has many unique and interesting items in several different categories from 35 years of our dealing and collecting antiques and collectables.

Age and Condition

The piece probably dates to circa 1900. 

It is in excellent original condition.  Please look closely at the photos as they are an important part of my description of this item.  The silver case is in wonderful condition, only some light age-related signs of use or wear and some fine surface scratches.  I don’t see anything I would call a ding to the case, other than 3 very minor shallow dents to the back side of the case.  The original elastic bands to hold the cigarettes in place are both still present.  I see no loss or repairs to the enamel, but when the case is held “in the right light” there are scratches visible over the high points on the portrait area.  These are not at all obvious to me and only become so when looking at them using a loupe.  The gold wash on the interior is mostly intact, although it does show some areas of discoloration, that appear to originate with the elastic bands.  There is some minor tarnish and discoloration to the silver on the exterior, as would be expected on an older piece like this.  The hinge on the case is nice and tight and works perfectly as intended.  The case opens and closes and snaps shut and latches perfectly as it should.  It is really in great condition for its age – see my photos.  Please keep in mind these photos can be blown up at least 8X-10X times normal, so anything you see will look 8X-10X times larger in the photos than it really is. 

Please note: if you see a dark spot in the photos, it is from my camera and is not a mark on the piece.  It will be either just to the right of center towards the bottom or slightly above center on the right side of the photo.

Approximate Dimensions

The case is about 3.375” (8.6 cm) top to bottom by about 2.5” (6.4 cm) left to right and is about .75” (1.9 cm) in overall thickness. 

Approximate Weight

About 3 ounces (86 grams). 

SALES TAX

Depending on which state you live in eBay may add State Sales Tax on your purchase.

PAYMENT, SHIPPING, Insurance & PACKAGING

For auctions, if you do not send an instant payment through PayPal, I will send you an invoice within 24 hours of the end of the auction.

PayPal is my preferred method for receiving funds and payment is expected within 3 days of the completion of the auction.  I will normally ship within 1-2 business days of receiving payment in my PayPal account.

Shipment will be via the USPS Priority Mail at no additional shipping cost to the buyer.  A delivery confirmation (provides electronic tracking of the shipment) is included with all domestic shipments paid for through PayPal.  Please take the shipping costs into account when bidding.  If you purchase more than one item, I will do my best to combine shipping costs to save you as much as possible.  If you want your package insured, you must let me know in advance of payment.

This item will be professionally packaged for maximum protection in shipping.

INTERNATIONAL BUYERS

The only form of payment I accept from international buyers is Pay Pal.  No exceptions!

International shipments will encounter longer shipping times due to distance and Customs requirements.  The USPS says 6-10 business days, but it can take longer.    International buyers are responsible for all customs fees, duties, import taxes or other related customs or import charges and all our out-of-pocket costs incurred in the shipment of packages internationally.

International shipment options will be via USPS First Class Mail (when the item being shipped meets the requirements of that service) or Priority Mail when it does not.

DO NOT ask us to show a lesser value on the Customs Forms than the item sold for, or to ship the item purchased item as a gift.  Ebay requires us to report any buyer to them who requests this.

RETURN POLICY