This unusual and fine cheroot case is of elongated oval form. It is chased on one side with typical Chinese scenes from Chinese legends including figures amid willows and pavilions, and on the other, with humming birds perched among vines laden with grapes.
The lid springs open when a button near the lid is depressed. The button is very responsive and the spring action sharp and precise.
The base is marked with two indistinct marks.
A very similar cheroot case is illustrated in Marlowe (1990, p. 33) with the remarks that the case is ‘a rare form of Chinese export silver. The nature of the Chinese decoration is also unusual.’ There is the possibility that this and our case are both the product of Chinese silversmiths operating not in China but in Southeast Asia.
The example here is in excellent condition.
References
Marlowe, A.J., Chinese Export Silver, John Sparks, 1990.