Meerschaum Cheroot Holder
$0.00
SOLD
This antique Meerschaum cheroot holder is an exquisite representation of European craftsmanship from the early 20th century. Housed in its original case, the cheroot holder features a meticulously carved lion, a symbol of strength and majesty, which reflects the artistic sensibilities of the era. The silver cuff is hallmarked Birmingham 1901, indicative of its origin in the United Kingdom. The cheroot holder's intricate design and finely crafted details make it a distinctive piece for collectors and enthusiasts of period smoking accessories.
Condition Report
The Meerschaum cheroot holder is in good condition, with wear consistent with its age and use, reflecting its history as a functional item. The meerschaum material retains much of its original charm, with the lion carving remaining distinct and well-preserved. The silver cuff displays minor tarnishing, typical of antique silver, which adds to its character and authenticity. The original box shows signs of usage, with slight wear marks, affirming its purpose as a protective casing for the cheroot holder. Collectors will appreciate the item's patina, which contributes to its historical appeal.
Dimensions
Weight: 25gm, Length: 8cm boxed unboxed 7.5cm, Width: 6cm, Height: 6cm boxed, unboxed 3cm.
A Cheroot Holder with a Purpose
Historically, cheroot holders served a utilitarian purpose while also embodying the elegance of the smoking culture of their time. This particular cheroot holder was designed to accommodate cheroots, a type of cigar that is clipped at both ends. The inclusion of a carved lion suggests it was intended to be both functional and decorative, providing the smoker with a unique tactile and visual experience. Such holders were popular among the affluent, often used as a fashionable accessory to enhance the smoking ritual.
A Representation of Early 20th Century Design
The design of this cheroot holder is a testament to the artistic trends of the early 1900s. The lion carving exhibits a high level of detail and craftsmanship that was prevalent in European decorative arts at the turn of the century. The use of meerschaum, a lightweight mineral prized for its ability to absorb tar and nicotine, reflects the functional design considerations of the period. The silver cuff and hallmark not only accentuate the holder's aesthetic appeal but also serve to authenticate its provenance and quality.
The Art of Meerschaum and Silver Crafting
The creation of this cheroot holder involved skilled artisanship, combining meerschaum carving with silver smithing. Meerschaum, a mineral from the sepiolite family, was carefully hand-carved to produce the intricate lion motif, a process requiring precision and expertise. The silver cuff was likely crafted by a silversmith in Birmingham, a city renowned for its high-quality silverwork. The hallmark ensures the authenticity of the silver and provides valuable information about its origin and date of manufacture, adding to the piece's historical significance.
Crafted by Artisans of the Era
The maker of this cheroot holder remains elusive, yet the craftsmanship speaks volumes of the skill involved. The hallmark indicates it was crafted in Birmingham, a hub of skilled silversmiths and artisans during the period. While the specific artisan is unknown, the quality of the carving and silverwork suggests it was produced by a maker of considerable expertise, familiar with the demands of luxury accessory production in the early 1900s. Such items were often commissioned by affluent individuals or sold in upscale tobacconists of the time.
Collected by Enthusiasts of Smoking Accessories
Collectors of antique smoking accessories value items like this Meerschaum cheroot holder for their historical significance and craftsmanship. These objects offer insight into the social and cultural practices of the past, particularly the elegance associated with smoking rituals. Cheroot holders are sought after not only for their functional design but also for their artistic merit. Collectors are drawn to the unique combination of materials, the skill involved in their creation, and the stories they tell about the era in which they were made.
