9ct Rose Gold Collared Cigar / Cheroot Holder - Chester 1911 with Silver Case (marks Rubbed Birmingham 1911 Both by William Neale

This is a somewhat unlikely tale of a sorely neglected piece of ‘black silver’ overlooked by an Auction House in amongst a box of a great many silver pots, boxes and flatwear, all of which were equally blackened by tarnish. Picking up our purchases, we packed the larger pieces and I slipped the uninspiring case in my pocket. Weeks later I found it in my jacket, confirmed the date as 1911 on the case, thought it heavy and opened it to find the holder complete with the 9ct collar…similarly dated. Whilst smoking is in sharp decline, I am aware that many hotels and clubs retain their ‘cigar rooms’ and feel sure this accessory will appeal to someone, or alternatively could become an elegant needle case for a well-equipped seamstress. As the case is over 110 years old and has capably protected the cigar holder, it inevitably bears signs of its previous life. In this case there are a few obvious dinks to the silver and a rubbed makers mark. If you are looking for a Christmas gift to a cigar smoker or seamstress, you might consider this as an option.