A medium size, sterling silver, engine box. This is one of the finest and most well made silver boxes we have handled. Featuring prime Art Deco design and superb proportions. The box was originally designed to hold cigarettes with a large central compartment lined with cedar wood. This wood was used to keep moisture and freshness to the tobacco. The interior has the original cedar wood divider that can be removed to also store cigars in, or to also make three different sized areas within. The exterior body is heavily engine turned, a technique was popular during the Art Deco movement, and is very clean in its design, with beautiful rounded off and hand engraved edges that soften the overall feel. Another stunning detail that highlights the quality, and time spent on making the box, is the solid nine carat yellow gold rounded lip to help open the lid of the box. Often these would either be left silver, gold plated or not exists at all. This lip on the lid is actually a hand pinned piece of hand engraved gold. Again, with that Art Deco look and feel. The exposed part of the interior of the lid is lemon gilded, a technique which not only looks attractive but was originally applied to help prevent tarnishing of the metal from the oxidizing effect from the tobacco and oxygen. The condition of the box throughout is impeccable. It would make a wonderful addition for any study or library. There are a series of hallmarks on the inside edge of the base thought out the piece denoting the sterling silver content, and that it was made in London, England in 1977 by Mappin & Webb. Mappin & Webb are one of England's most celebrated silversmiths and a luxury retailer with a rich history, who are still in existence today. An additional mark can also be found alongside the classic English assay marks, and that is of Queen Elizabeth's head. This means that it was made during a Jubilee year. The extra mark is added to any English silver made during these momentous years in the reign of a monarch. In this instance it was for the Silver Jubilee of Queen Elizabeth II, marking twenty five years of her reign. Items with these additional marks are desirable in their own right, as some collectors collect Jubilee marked silver. It does appear that extra care and quality was applied in making this piece in honour of her majesty.
