Measures approx. 116.5 x 73 x 12.5 mm (not including the cabochon and attachments); weighs 150.6 g. Both inside panels show the 84-silver hallmark of 1908 type with "Kokoshnik" and Greek character Delta, the designation of the Moscow assay inspection. Both also show a clearly legible Cyrillic maker mark ИП ("IP") of I. P. Prokofyev, the owner of a silver workshop in the Danilovskaya Sloboda district of Moscow.

The lid is decorated with a hand-engraved stylized Bunchuk, a traditional Russian percussion instrument (probably of Turkish origin) decorated with horse tails and typically carried by military marching bands, and the Horn of Plenty. There are also five separate attachments executed in high relief and with great attention to detail. One of them is in solid gold (unmarked as is usually the case with these), a highly stylized monogram most likely representing the initials of the original owner of the cigarette case. Immediately below the monogram is the insignia of the Order of St. George in silver and white enamel. Above the golden monogram are the joined cyphers of two emperors, Nicholas I and Nicholas II; the imperial double-headed eagle emblem; and a lyre. The former two suggest that the owner was a military man who served in a unit established during Nicholas I's reign and at some point, awarded with the Order of St. George banner (although entirely possible, it seems less likely that the owner himself was decorated with the Order of St. George). Lastly, the lyre and the engraved bunchuk strongly indicate that he was a member of the band in his military unit.

The cigarette case is in excellent condition. It is completely free of dents, bumps or other significant wear. The blue cabochon is intact and the push button closure functions smoothly; the alignment of the panels is precise. There are minor surface chips and flakes to the white enamel on the arms of the Order of St. George, none of them very glaring or detractive. The attachments are otherwise intact; the pins holding them are perfectly tight. Some of the original gilt finish on the interior is still present and albeit pale, clearly visible. The elastic bands for holding cigarettes are still present, and their brackets are intact.

Overall, a beautifully preserved, elaborate and uncommon piece with a story to tell!

/Postinkova-Loseva, Russian Gold and Silverwork from the 15th to 20th Century. fig. 2511, 2512/.

Please note, penny in our photo is for size reference.