Help identifying Maker's Mark on Sterling Cigarette Case
Posted: Sat Dec 15, 2007 8:34 pm
This is a Sterling Silver Cigarette case that is 3-1/4" high, 2-1/2" wide and about 1/2" deep. The front exterior has a nice design that scrolls around the edge and alternating vertical lines inside of the border. The interior of the front side indicates a reverse impression of the exterior. The rear exterior is smooth without decorative impressions, however, the interior of the rear portion has a decorative repetititve swirled pattern. Both interior sides are gold in color. On the interior of the back side is the word "STERLING" without any other symbols along the interior edge near where the spring loaded clasp is located. The Maker's Mark is simple in design located to the right of the "Sterling" imprint and depending upon one's point of view it appears to be a simple MH or if upside down perhaps an HW. Really difficult to tell from the way it was struck/engraved/etched since it is on a bit of an angle. The case interior has two spring loaded holders to retain the contents of each side in place. Through this helpful site I was able to resolve all questions regarding another piece I have -- a 1926 Birmingham cigarette case and I remain ever so grateful for that assistance. I only wish I had a means of posting a photograph in lieu of my description, but I tried before and failed. Since both of the cases bear the same initials of the owner and are in many ways quite similar in frontal design, I am lead to believe they must be around the same vintage. It is only my thoroughly uneducated experience in matters such as these that leads me to believe that this one is of American design, since there are no other markings like the lion passant, etc. Any of you expert helpers out there willing to give this one a try? While I have absolutely no intention to sell either piece mentioned, they were both once owned my a rather famous film actress, whose initials are engraved on each as "B. D." This was a lady who one of my relatives once knew quite well. It would mean a lot to me to know more about this item. Thank you once again and I hope I did not break any posting regulations.
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