Rare Sterling Silver Round Tobacco Case with Vesta Lid - Birmingham 1911

An extraordinarily rare and ingenious piece of Edwardian silversmithing—this round sterling silver tobacco case features a hinged vesta insert cleverly integrated into the lid, creating a completely self-contained smoking companion. Hallmarked Birmingham 1911, this is a remarkable example of functional design at its finest.

Key Features:

- Hallmarked sterling silver, Birmingham 1911
- Round tobacco case with integrated vesta (match) compartment in the lid
- Dual-function design: tobacco storage below, matches above
- Hinged vesta insert with striker surface
- Exceptionally rare form—a true collector's piece
- Complete self-contained smoking accessory

This piece represents the pinnacle of Edwardian ingenuity in smoking accessories. Rather than carrying separate items for tobacco and matches, the gentleman of 1911 could slip this single elegant case into his pocket and have everything needed for a smoke at hand.

The design is brilliantly practical: the main body holds loose tobacco, while the hinged lid conceals a vesta compartment complete with a striking surface for lighting matches. Open the vesta insert, strike a match, close it, then access your tobacco from the main compartment—all from one beautifully crafted silver case.

Such combination pieces are exceptionally rare. Most smokers carried separate vesta cases and tobacco pouches or tins. This integrated design required considerable skill from the silversmith—creating a watertight tobacco compartment while engineering a functional hinged vesta insert into the lid, all while maintaining the structural integrity and aesthetic appeal of the piece.

Imagine the Edwardian gentleman who commissioned or purchased this piece in 1911—perhaps a man who appreciated both elegance and efficiency, someone who valued innovation and quality craftsmanship. This was the year of King George V's coronation, the height of British confidence and industrial prowess.

The round form is particularly unusual for tobacco cases, which were typically rectangular or oval. This adds another layer of rarity and visual interest to an already exceptional piece.

Condition: Please examine all photographs carefully. This is an authentic antique with character and patina consistent with its age and use. The hinged mechanism should be examined in photos.

A museum-quality piece that will be the crown jewel of any collection of smoking accessories, Edwardian silver, or innovative Victorian and Edwardian design. An opportunity to own a truly unique piece of functional art.

8cm x 8cm x 3cm