Old but Damaged Sterling Cigarette Case

[Davers]

Sorry if the pics aren't the best quality trying to learn how to upload pics with the help of my lovely wife. Dug this last week at an old home site that had been demoed and cleared a few years back. It's silver so I will definitely take it. Davers

 

[Davers]

Thank You Very Much .

Figured you may want to know a little more about your calling card case. So I did a quick search and found an identical one to show you what it looked like in undamaged condition. First the facts...

American Coin Silver “castle top” calling card case with architectural view, attributed to Leonard & Wilson of Philadelphia. Rectangular case with shaped edges and hinged lid. Embossed design of an eagle on one side, with a Greek Revival building on the other. The building is believed to be the Second Bank of the United States in Philadelphia (I thought it was the Parthenon). William Strickland, using the Greek Parthenon as inspiration, won the design competition for the bank in 1818. It became a vanguard for the Greek Revival style in America and helped establish Strickland’s architectural career. The Leonard & Wilson firm of Philadelphia made calling card cases with views of important American buildings in the mid 1800s, similar to the sterling “castle top” card cases produced by Nathaniel Mills in England depicting European buildings (not all of them castles). Although this case is unmarked other than a small stamped “B” or “D,” the eagle design is similar to those on several marked Leonard & Wilson examples. Condition: excellent. Inscribed inside: Peggy Clark. 3 5/8″ x 2 1/2″. 1.49 oz. troy. Circa 1850. Est. $350-$450. Realized $510. - See more at: May 16th, 2009 Auction Highlights | Case Antiques

and a photo-

Very Cool ..
I'd thought it dated from ; say 1910 or so.. and I see now that the top is missing & can see why it has only one latch.

It does have a small Hallmark 'in a square, & it's the L&W one.

When I found it one side was bent almost 90 o & has a flower motif instead of an Eagle.

Like I said it was found at a torn down 1940-50's Home site & a Bulldozer pretty much did it in.

I really thank you for the info you found on it , now I know to call it a " Calling Card Case"

Thanks X 1,000

P.S. I thought it was the Parthenon too.

Good Day & Happy Huntin.

Davers

 

[Davers]

I thank everyone for the Reply's & Likes. & All the kind words.

This find came as a Surprise , as I was just hitting the lot hoping for a Wheat Cent or if lucky a Silver Dime tho I did
find a 1940's Wheat , it just goes to show you just never know what you might dig up.

Happy Hunting & Good Luck To All

Davers

 

[BurntBear]

Figured you may want to know a little more about your calling card case. So I did a quick search and found an identical one to show you what it looked like in undamaged condition. First the facts...

American Coin Silver “castle top” calling card case with architectural view, attributed to Leonard & Wilson of Philadelphia. Rectangular case with shaped edges and hinged lid. Embossed design of an eagle on one side, with a Greek Revival building on the other. The building is believed to be the Second Bank of the United States in Philadelphia (I thought it was the Parthenon). William Strickland, using the Greek Parthenon as inspiration, won the design competition for the bank in 1818. It became a vanguard for the Greek Revival style in America and helped establish Strickland’s architectural career. The Leonard & Wilson firm of Philadelphia made calling card cases with views of important American buildings in the mid 1800s, similar to the sterling “castle top” card cases produced by Nathaniel Mills in England depicting European buildings (not all of them castles). Although this case is unmarked other than a small stamped “B” or “D,” the eagle design is similar to those on several marked Leonard & Wilson examples. Condition: excellent. Inscribed inside: Peggy Clark. 3 5/8″ x 2 1/2″. 1.49 oz. troy. Circa 1850. Est. $350-$450. Realized $510. - See more at: May 16th, 2009 Auction Highlights | Case Antiques

and a photo-

Awesome, neat stuff!

 

[Wheatsweep]

Dont smoke the ciggerettes inside

 

[Davers]

Dont smoke the ciggerettes inside

There was no Cigs in the Case

There was what I thought was Some real old Red Georgia Clay ' Hash '

Smoked some of that but it tasted like Dirt....

 

[Old Dude]

Yep, I'd take that any old day of the week Davers. Beautifully crafted piece. Silversmiths really knew their trade, didn't they? Congrats to you!