www.925-1000.com

I inherited a silver cigarette case marked with small "FB" on both inside plates. Wander who might be the maker...



As far I only find (hint) that this might be "Frederick Brasted..." ?? Am I right or am I wrong?

Hi,
It was made in Austria-Hungary Empire.
The marks are very small but one of them (on the left) looks like Diana head for .900 standard.
Take a look here:
http://www.925-1000.com/Faustria_02.html
Besides, the inscription is in Hungarian.
If you identify assay office letter in the mark we might narrow the search for the maker.
Regards

Maker's mark FB could stand for Franz Bibus, Mährisch-Trübau. Look if within the Diana mark there is A2 for the Assay Office Mährisch-Trübau.
Regards silverfan

The black color on the Cigarette Case is not tarnish, it is another layer of metals known as "Niello."

Here is the definition of Niello:

a black compound of sulfur with silver, lead, or copper, used for filling in engraved designs in silver or other metals.

I cannot recall seeing another Austro-Hungarian silver object with such extensive and very good Niello design, very nice cigarette case.

Hi Aguest -

Austro -Hungarian cigarette cases in niello are not very rare and you can find them often. Here some examples:





Regards
Goldstein