Skip to main content
Want more images or videos?
Request additional images or videos from the seller
1 of 21

Antique Sterling Silver Cigar Case Victorian Castle Top Kenilworth Castle 1844

About the Item

We are delighted to offer this wonderful Victorian solid silver 'castle top' cigar/cheroot case made by one of, if not the best, box make of the 19th century: Nathaniel Mills of Birmingham, 1844. Bearing the hallmarks of Nathaniel Mills, unsurprisingly, this case features splendid craftsmanship and aesthetics. Mills' works often include fine engravings and detailed acanthus motifs and this case is no exception with a profusely hand-engraved exterior of volute acanthus scrolls combined with one particular highlight; the 'Castle Top'. 'Castle Top' silverware, as the name suggests, refers to silverware with a castle depiction, normally found on snuff boxes, vinaigrettes and card cases - considered highly desirable by many collectors due to its scarcity and difference in scenes of varying rarity. Scenes of famous, popular and historic monuments were intricately and accurately depicted and made by leading silversmiths with the craftsmanship that enabled them to replicate the fine details of the real-life monuments. Such articles would have been usually gifted/purchased as a memoir of visiting such places or for those with a significant association with the depicted scenes. This particular cigar/cheroot case features Kenilworth castle, intricately engraved and depicted realistically. Kenilworth Castle was built during the Norman times and draws interest due to its historical survival, especially through notable periods such as the Norman and Tudor times, with its enduring charm and magnificent architecture surviving to this day. What is particularly impressive about the decoration on this case is that it has all been done by hand, without a single slip and one can imagine the meticulous craftsmanship and skill required to decorate such a challenging curved surface. This case fits up to approximately 3 petit-corona size cigars. Whether be it a wonderful collectable object of vertu or a practical cigar case for the discerning individual, this case is a remarkably stylish piece of antique silver bound to be a conversation starter and the perfect accoutrement for the sophisticated collector. Additionally, with some creative uses, it may also be used to hold some small sweets, objects or medicine in the modern day. An Idea for a day's outing: One sensational way to appreciate this article even further may be to bring it, should one ever have the opportunity to visit the castle, and try to locate the exact spot from which this scene was captured and compare the wonderful scenes you will be able to see. A full set of English hallmarks are present near the hinge of the case, on the opposite side of the castle. *Please note: all images with other items are for display purposes only, this listing is for the title item only. SIZE Size (cm) L:12cm W:5cm H:2.0cm Size (inches) L:4.72 W:1.96 H:0.78 Weight: 81 grams (2.60 Troy oz) CONDITION Good Condition - The cigar case is in good antique condition, with no major damage or issues. For accuracy: there is some wear to the high points of the engravings, particularly around the curved edges, however, the main castle remains very crisp. The reverse side features a cartouche that has a very minor ding that may be visible depending on the angle of reflection, as shown in the last image. We aim to overemphasize and state these issues to avoid disappointment and thus please rest assured they are not significant nor affect the usage of the items. Please refer to the photographs to examine the condition in further detail. FREE SHIPPING Artisan Antiques offers free global shipping with professional, secure and discreet packaging. We will always ensure your items are packaged with the utmost care and see the delivery through to the end. In the very rare and unfortunate case of non-delivery/courier loss, you are fully covered with us and we will fully refund you. *All parcels are insured - please rest assured all shipping liabilities other than import/customs duty are covered by Artisan Antiques. *Colours of the product may slightly differ from the photos due to different computer screens & lighting conditions*
More From This SellerView All
  • Antique Solid Sterling Silver 'Castle Top' Dish/Pin Tray, Windsor Castle - 1843
    Located in London, GB
    We are delighted to offer this intricate Victorian solid silver small dish/pin tray with the marks of Taylor & Perry, Birmingham 1843. Despite its dainty and compact size, this dish is all but plain and simple and a fine example of 'castle top' silverware. The central portion depicts Windsor Castle from across the river and the surrounding engraved wreath of foliage and floral motifs form a slightly raised border. 'Castle Top' silverware, as the name suggests, refers to silverware with a castle depiction, normally found on snuff boxes, vinaigrettes and card cases. Occasionally, such collectable features can also be found on small baskets or dishes as is the case with this particular piece. Scenes of famous, popular and historic monuments were intricately and accurately depicted and made by leading silversmiths with the craftsmanship that enabled them to replicate the fine details of the real-life monuments. Such articles would have been usually gifted/purchased as a memoir of visiting such places or for those with a significant association with the depicted scenes. Due to this dish's compact size and raised edge, aside from a pin tray, it would make for a splendid jewellery bedside tray...
    Category

    Antique 19th Century Victorian Sterling Silver

    Materials

    Sterling Silver

  • Antique Silver Cigar Cheroot Case - Nathaniel Mills 1853
    Located in London, GB
    We are delighted to offer this fabulous Victorian solid silver cigar/cheroot case made by Nathaniel Mills, Birmingham 1853. Bearing the hallmarks of Nathaniel Mills, unsurprisingly...
    Category

    Antique 19th Century Victorian Sterling Silver

    Materials

    Sterling Silver

  • Antique Victorian Sterling Silver Gilt Set of 6 Spoons, Francis Higgins 1875
    By Francis Higgins
    Located in London, GB
    We are delighted to offer this unique and magnificent solid silver gilt set of 6 spoons made by specialist spoon maker Francis Higgins in London, 1875. ...
    Category

    Antique 19th Century English Victorian Sterling Silver

    Materials

    Vermeil, Sterling Silver

  • Antique Georgian Sterling Silver Etui Needle Case - Taylor & Perry 1830
    Located in London, GB
    We are delighted to offer this wonderful Georgian solid silver etui/needle case with the marks of Taylor & Perry, Birmingham 1830.The small proportions and...
    Category

    Antique Early 19th Century Sterling Silver

    Materials

    Sterling Silver

  • Antique Victorian Sterling Silver Snuff Box Acanthus - Nathaniel Mills 1840
    Located in London, GB
    We are delighted to offer this beautiful early Victorian snuff box with marks for Nathaniel Mills, Birmingham 1840. Nathaniel Mills was known for...
    Category

    Antique 19th Century Sterling Silver

    Materials

    Sterling Silver

  • Antique Victorian Sterling Silver Teapot with Rare Dotted Pattern Barnards 1863
    Located in London, GB
    We are delighted to offer this unique and exquisite Victorian solid silver teapot made by the renowned silversmiths, Barnards of London in 1863. The teapot features a classical bu...
    Category

    Antique 19th Century Sterling Silver

    Materials

    Sterling Silver

You May Also Like
  • Antique Victorian Kenilworth Castle Sterling Silver Vinaigrette
    By Gervase Wheeler
    Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
    An exceptional, fine and impressive antique Victorian English sterling silver castle top vinaigrette depicting Kenilworth castle; an addition to our collectable box collection. This exceptional antique Victorian sterling silver vinaigrette...
    Category

    Antique 1830s English Victorian Sterling Silver

    Materials

    Silver, Sterling Silver

  • Antique Victorian Sterling Silver Castle-Top Cigar Case, Nathaniel Mills 1839
    By Nathaniel Mills
    Located in Uckfield, Sussex
    Victorian silver double-sided "Castle-Top" cheroot/cigar case Windsor castle and Warwick castle. This exceptional antique Victorian sterling silver cheroot/cigar case has a rectan...
    Category

    Antique 1830s British Victorian Sterling Silver

    Materials

    Silver

  • Antique Victorian Sterling Silver Cigar Case
    By Edward Smith
    Located in Braintree, GB
    Antique Victorian sterling silver cigar case Made in Birmingham, 1845 Maker: Edward Smith Fully hallmarked. Case has an inscription 'James Forbes Leith, From his Sister, 10th Decembe...
    Category

    Antique 1840s British Victorian Sterling Silver

    Materials

    Sterling Silver

  • Castle Top Card Case, Scott Memorial, Sterling Silver, Nathaniel Mills 1844
    By Nathaniel Mills
    Located in London, London
    Hallmarked in Birmingham in 1844 by Nathaniel Mills, this fine quality, Victorian, Antique Sterling Silver Castle Top Card Case, features a high relief chased scene of The Scott...
    Category

    Antique 1840s English Victorian Decorative Boxes

    Materials

    Sterling Silver

  • Antique Victorian sterling silver cigar case, Engraved
    By Thomas Hayes
    Located in NEWARK, GB
    An attractive and decorative antique sterling silver cigar case. A lovely substantial and heavy piece, made from heavily engraved s...
    Category

    Early 20th Century British Victorian Sterling Silver

    Materials

    Sterling Silver

  • Antique Victorian sterling silver cigar case, engraved
    By Minshull & Latimer
    Located in NEWARK, GB
    An attractive and decorative, antique sterling silver cigar case. A lovely substantial and heavy piece, made from heavily engraved sterling silver, the case is gilt lined and still ...
    Category

    Early 20th Century British Victorian Sterling Silver

    Materials

    Sterling Silver

Recently Viewed

View All