A fine and impressive antique Chinese Export Silver cigarette / card case; part of our diverse Asian silverware collection

This fine antique Chinese Export Silver (CES) cigarette/card case has a plain rectangular form with rounded corners.

The anterior cover is embellished with an embossed and chased decorated iconic Chinese dragon design amidst clouds, on a matte background, incorporating a shield shaped vacant cartouche.

The posterior cover is ornamented with traditional embossed and chased plum blossom foliate and floral decoration, also on a matte background.

The rounded sides of this antique cigarette case are plain and unembellished.

This sterling silver cigarette / card case is fitted with a push fit catch, which when released reveals two hinged compartments.

This Chinese silver cigarette case retains the original gilded interior.

The hallmarks struck to the catch of this impressive case include:

Maker's mark: Zee Wo

Character mark: Untraced

This impressive case has been independently tested using state of the art technology (Niton XL2 Analyzer) and verified as sterling silver (925, 925/1000).

This antique case is a very good gauge of silver, fine quality and in excellent presentation condition.

The embossed and chased decoration is very sharp.

Full hallmarks struck to the interior of the catch are all very clear, however we are unable to produce an image due to the difficult placement of these hallmarks.

Reflections in photographs may detract from the true representation of this example of antique silverware.

Length8.3cm/3.25"

Width7cm/2.75"

Height1.7cm/0.7"

3 troy ounces/95g

Date: Circa 1900

Era: Qing Dynasty

Origin: Shanghai, China

Maker: Zee Wo