The 'Belvoir' Birmingham Manufactured 9kt Gold Cigarette Case

Crafted from 9 karat yellow gold, this cigarette case was manufactured in Birmingham during World War II and is a design known as 'The Belvoir'. The case which is solid 9 karat yellow gold has a knurled machined finish to the exterior which allows it to be used without fear of it getting scratched or damaged. To the inside of the piece there are full English hallmarks for 9 karat gold and a date mark for manufacture in Birmingham in 1941. The maker's mark is likely for B.H. Britton & Sons who were prominent goldsmiths and makers of 'jewellery accessories' in Birmingham. There is a small personal engraving done in 'facsimile' in likely the handwriting of the person who gave the case as a gift. This engraving is slightly difficult to read given it is in a cursive hand but is likely 'Nonie, for her 21st, GWH' and almost certainly dates to when the case was first purchased. There is a small engraving along the rim of the inside which indicates the case was retailed by Boodles & Dunthorne in Liverpool who remain a prominent jewellery retailer today, now simply known as Boodles. There are spaces internally for an elasticised strap to be fitted which would allow cigarettes to be kept inside, or in a more 21st century sense, credit cards and a driver's license. In very fine condition throughout, the piece presents well with minimal wear in the form of slight abrasions, commensurate with age and use. A really gorgeous way for a gentleman to take cash, bank cards and some ID out to dinner without the need for a bulky leather wallet.

Marked - Birmingham gold hallmarks for 1941 and a personal engraving

Measures - 10cm L x 7.5cm H x 0.65cm D

Total weight of piece - 158.3 grams