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Hello everyone :) ,
I just found this old cigarette case in my house and id like to know the meaning of these three symbols/words in the interior of the lid.
Note: I noticed that there is a Tughra hallmark on the upper part of the 'horn' on the case.
I dont really know what period of time it might be or who made it.
It would really mean a lot if anyne would provide me any useful information about what that Tughra sign represents, and I am even more intrigued about the three signs in the interior of the lid.

Photos link: https://m.imgur.com/a/pFdkt

Thanks a lot in advance! :)

Hi,
Welcome to the forum.
The mark in the middle stands for ``VAN``, town in eastern Turkey (Kurdistan).In Ottoman Empire. The silver was made mostly by Armenian masters.
Take a look here for the same mark and discussion.
http://925-1000.com/forum/search.php?ke ... an+ottoman+

Other two marks are maker`s marks.
Can you post the image of the whole item, please ? Most of cigarette cases in niello were made in Van either very late 19th century or early 20th century.
Try to embed your images;very few people will click on links.Thank you.
Regards

Hi,

I have embedded the photos for you.

Cheers,
Steve

Only the traces of niello have remained.It depicts the coat of arms of Ottoman Empire. Sultans had tughra and coat of arms in western heraldic sense was created in the late 19th century.
You can search for more examples of ``van niello cigarette cases``
Armenian masters signed in Arabic.Most of them, probably all of them, left Van and emigrated after WW I. Some settled in Armenia and continued their work in Russia (USSR) and signed in Armenian.
http://925-1000.com/forum/viewtopic.php ... 0&start=20

They were masters of niello technique.

Thanks a lot, to all of you!

(admin edit - see Posting Requirements )

And can it be restored at all?

Loss of niello affects the value, but no appraisals here.
It cannot be restored, at least what an average jeweler - silversmith can do today.
But unlike enamel,niello can be restored (theoretically).The question is how to find somebody who can do it and is it worth the effort.
Google for niello technique.
Better leave it as it is.