Antique Silver Cigar & Cigarette Cases
Slim, pocket-worn and often beautifully engine-turned or engraved, the silver cigar and cigarette case is a classic of late-Victorian and 20th-century smoking silver. A guide to identifying, dating, valuing and selling antique silver cigar and cigarette cases in the UK.
What Is Your Silver Cigar Case Worth?
Send a photo — including the marks inside — and we'll value it free, with no obligation. We reply within one working day.
The silver cigar or cigarette case was the everyday luxury of the smoking age — carried in the breast pocket, engine-turned to a soft shimmer, often engraved with initials or a presentation. Most are late-Victorian to mid-20th century, and while many are modest, fine enamelled, novelty or named-maker examples are eagerly collected.
Silver cigar & cigarette cases: what they are
A cigar case or cigarette case is a flat, hinged silver case — often curved to the body — for carrying cigars or cigarettes. Surfaces are typically engine-turned (machine-engraved with fine repeating patterns), plain, or engraved with crests and monograms; the most prized carry enamel decoration, erotic or novelty interiors, or the marks of noted makers. Most are Birmingham or Chester marked. Browse our silver collection.
What collectors look for
Enamel & novelty
Enamelled scenes, sporting or novelty cases and concealed interiors command strong premiums.
Named makers
Sampson Mordan, Asprey and noted makers, or retailer-marked cases, add value.
Condition
Crisp engine-turning, sound hinge and clasp, no dents, splits or worn-through engraving.
Engraving
Tasteful period monograms or presentation inscriptions; heavy modern engraving can detract.
What are antique silver cigar cases worth?
Most are valued near silver weight; rare decoration lifts them sharply:
Indicative only — your case depends on decoration, maker, weight and condition. Send a photo for a free, accurate valuation.
What Determines Value
The factors we assess on a silver cigar or cigarette case:
- Decoration — Enamel and novelty over plain engine-turning.
- Maker — Mordan, Asprey and noted makers add value.
- Weight — Heavier gauge silver carries more.
- Condition — Crisp engraving, sound hinge, no dents or splits.
- Engraving — Tasteful period monograms over heavy modern work.
- Marks — Clear hallmarks inside (often Birmingham/Chester).
Marks are inside — look for the lion passant for sterling. Plate is marked EPNS.
How to identify and date your case
Open the case and look inside for the lion passant (sterling), town mark, date letter and maker's mark — most are Birmingham (anchor) or Chester marked. Plated cases stamped EPNS are worth far less; see our EPNS vs sterling silver guide. The date letter dates it — use our how to read silver hallmarks guide. Most cases are light, so the silver price valuation guide sets a floor — decoration and maker decide the rest.
Smoking and small silver go together. See our guides to vesta cases, card cases and browse our silver for sale. When you're ready to sell, visit sell your silver.
Value Your Cigar or Cigarette Case
Send photographs of the case and the marks inside, and we'll give you an honest, no-obligation valuation.
⚠️ Strictly by appointment only — no walk-ins at either showroom.
Frequently Asked Questions
Antique silver cigar and cigarette cases — common questions.
What is the difference between a cigar and cigarette case?
Function and size — cigar cases are usually larger and may be fitted for a few cigars, cigarette cases slimmer with a sprung bar to hold cigarettes. Both are flat hinged silver cases, mostly late-Victorian to mid-20th century.
How much is an antique silver cigar case worth?
Many plain cases sit near silver weight; enamelled, novelty or named-maker cases command strong premiums. Decoration, maker, weight and condition decide. Send a photo for a free valuation.
What is engine-turning?
Machine engraving that cuts fine, precise repeating patterns into the silver — the shimmering surface seen on many cases. Crisp, unworn engine-turning is a sign of good condition.
Does a monogram reduce value?
A tasteful period monogram or presentation usually doesn't hurt, and can add charm. Heavy modern engraving, or a crudely erased one, can detract.
How do I tell sterling from plate?
Open it and look for the lion passant hallmark inside. Plated cases are marked EPNS or A1 and worth far less. Send a photo of the marks and we'll confirm.
Where can I sell an antique silver cigar case in the UK?
Mozeris Fine Antiques are specialist silver buyers with showrooms in Mayfair, London and Braintree, Essex. We offer free, no-obligation valuations — send photos or visit by appointment.
Send Us Your Photographs
Attach photos of the case and the marks inside. We'll respond within one working day.