Skip to content
The Encyclopedia of Horology

Component · Cigarette case with watch and match compartment

Niello Silver Cigarette Case with Integrated Watch and Vesta Case

Partially verified

This object is a combined multi-functional accessory from the early twentieth century, integrating a timepiece, a cigarette case, and a vesta (match) case. The rectangular, curved silver case is finished with niello decoration. The front features a niello scene depicting three young women in a garden, with an integrated watch dial positioned above this panel. The watch is a keyless-winding mechanism with a three-quarter gilt plate and a cylinder escapement. The dial is gilt with engine-turned decoration, Arabic numerals, and blue steel hands. The interior of the case is gilt and fitted with elastic bands for cigarette retention. A hinged match compartment is located inside the front lid, featuring a lid decorated with an engraving of two horse heads. The case opens via a button set with a blue cabochon stone and incorporates a piano hinge along the left edge.

View of the exterior front of the niello silver cigarette case showing the watch dial and the scene of three young women.
View of the exterior front of the niello silver cigarette case showing the watch dial and the scene of three young women. — Zamanito / Pieces of Time. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
zamanito.com
Category
Component · Cigarette case with watch and match compartment
Maker / attribution
Not established
Reference
Not recorded
Catalogue / lot identifier
Source URL identifies the listing
Source-reported date
circa 1910
Source-reported place
Not established

Source-reported attribution and specifications are not independent authentication. A listing does not establish present ownership, current display, availability or permission to reproduce.

Object description

Case and Exterior Decoration

The object is a rectangular, curved silver cigarette case utilizing niello inlay as its primary decorative technique. The front of the case depicts a scene of three young women situated in a garden, with a timepiece mounted directly above this central niello panel. The watch itself is accessed via the exterior, with a small winding and setting button positioned adjacent to the dial.

The reverse side of the case contains an oval frame ornamented with foliage, leaving the central silver portion plain. The case hinges are designed as a piano hinge located on the left side, and the mechanism is secured by a button set with a blue cabochon stone on the right, which releases the lid.

Evidence for this section
  • “نمای جلوی جعبه تصویری سیاه‌قلم از سه بانوی جوان در باغ را به نمایش می‌گذارد”
  • “پشت بدنه نیز دارای قابی بیضی‌شکل پهن با نقوش شاخ‌وبرگی است”

Movement and Dial

The timepiece integrated into the case employs a three-quarter gilt plate movement featuring a keyless-winding system and a revolving barrel. The escapement is of the cylinder type, utilizing a polished steel cylinder and steel escape wheel. The balance assembly consists of a simple gilt cock with a polished steel regulator and a three-armed gilt balance wheel paired with a blued steel hairspring.

The dial is composed of gilt brass, featuring engine-turned decoration, Arabic numerals, and blued steel hands.

Evidence for this section
  • “موتور ساعت دارای ساختار سه‌چهارم پلیت زراندود با سیستم کوک بدون کلید (Keyless) و بارل گردان است.”
  • “مجموعه تنظیم‌کننده شامل خروسک (Cock) ساده با رگلاتور فولادی پولیش‌خورده، رقاصک سه‌شاخه زراندود ساده با فنر مارپیچ فولادی آبی‌رنگ، سیلندر فولادی پولیش‌خورده و چرخ‌دنگ فولادی است.”
  • “صفحه ساعت نیز از برنج زراندود با تزیین موتورجوش (Engine-turned)، اعداد عربی و عقربه‌های فولادی آبی‌رنگ تشکیل شده است.”

Interior and Functionality

The interior of the cigarette case is finished with a gilt coating and includes elasticated bands to secure the cigarettes. Situated within the inside of the front lid is both the housing for the watch mechanism and a vesta case for matches.

The vesta compartment is equipped with a rectangular, hinged lid, which is decorated with an engraving of the heads of two horses. The edges of these interior frames are further reinforced with decorative lattice or mesh pieces.

Evidence for this section
  • “تماماً زراندود (Gilt) بوده و نوارهای کشسانی برای نگهداری سیگارها در آن تعبیه شده است.”
  • “در قسمت داخلی درپوش جلو، محفظه ساعت و یک کبریت‌دان قرار دارد که درپوش لولایی مستطیل‌شکل آن با نقش حکاکی‌شده سر دو اسب تزیین یافته است”

Open research questions

  • Who was the manufacturer of the silver case and the watch movement?
  • Does the case contain any hallmarks indicating its origin or silver purity?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Niello Silver Cigarette Case with Integrated Watch and Vesta Case
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
Datecirca 1910“حدود ۱۹۱۰”
MaterialSilver with niello decoration“نقره با تزیین سیاه‌قلم (Niello)”
DialGilt, engine-turned, Arabic numerals“صفحه ساعت نیز از برنج زراندود با تزیین موتورجوش (Engine-turned)، اعداد عربی”
Release mechanismButton with blue cabochon“فشردن دکمه‌ای مزین به سنگ کابوشن آبی‌رنگ”

Visible details

  • Niello scene on the front shows three young women.
  • Release button is set with a blue cabochon stone.
  • Internal match compartment lid features an engraved motif of two horse heads.
  • Back panel displays an oval frame with floral motifs surrounding a plain silver center.

Research qualifications

  • The maker of the watch and the case is not identified in the source.
  • The specific place of manufacture is not stated in the source.

Photograph identity and source facts were screened before import; rights clearance remains pending.

Consulted source

Rare Niello Silver Cigarette Case Mounted with a Watch

Reviewed 2026-11-02 · Record 816a7a4e73

Terms in this record

Glossary explanations for terms named in this object’s record.