DATE: Art Deco, c.1920

An Art Deco era cigarette case finished with a blue and white Greek Key style enamelled pattern and engine turned engraving to the back and the front. There's a rectangular space for a name or monogram, bordered by further blue enamel. There's a distinct elegance hidden behind its simplicity, one that (in my opinion) is only accentuated by the antique patina it's acquired over the past century. Stamped ALPACCA to the inner frame indicating it's made of copper, zinc, and nickel, along with tin - an alloy designed to imitate silver. It's essentially to silver what pinchbeck is to gold. Presumed of continental European origin, made circa 1920.

MEASUREMENTS 

8.8 x 6.3 x 1.2 cm

WEIGHT 

98.2g

MARKS 

Stamped ALPACCA

CONDITION 

Good, with strong antique patina