German Cigarette case

[JanGroen]

Found this Lutz and Weise 835 German silver cigarette case in pawn shop in South Africa about 5 years back. It has an interesting engraving inside the lid. I would like to know how old it may be and if the inscription has any significant meaning. Not sure how it ended up where I bought it. It is 88mm x 73mm x 9mm and weighs 81 grams.
Thank you
Jannie

[agphile]

If my eyes and my fading familiarity with German do not deceive me, the inscription translates as "A memento of the time in Cologne- Karl Moll and Wife - in May 1937". And 1937 seems a likely date for the item to have been bought new.

[JanGroen]

If my eyes and my fading familiarity with German do not deceive me, the inscription translates as "A memento of the time in Cologne- Karl Moll and Wife - in May 1937". And 1937 seems a likely date for the item to have been bought new.

Thank you. So most likely something from between the wars. Always wonder how such items end up in pawn shops. Think the owners of the shop thought it was stainless steel as I got it for almost nothing.
Jannie

[AG2012]

Hi,
The maker of your cigarette case is the firm of Lutz & Weiss - Pforzheim
Regards

[silvermakersmarks]

As "Kölner Zeit" is in a completely different script it may be the name of a newspaper - although I can't find any mention of it online. So "A memento of the Cologne Times - Karl Moll and Wife - May 1937

[AG2012]

And it was made here. Bombed during WW II.

[dognose]

See also: viewtopic.php?f=38&t=39666&p=116333&hilit=lutz#p116333

Trev.

[JanGroen]

Good Afternoon
So if I understand correctly, this case were made in Pforzheim between 1882 and 1945? Or when was this building bombed? Did they maybe have a time when they switch from 800 to 835 silver or did they use both?

Jannie

[AG2012]

Hi,
It`s typical Art Deco cigarette case, fully corresponding to the engraved memento (1937).
And, most likely, it was NEW when bought and engraved (decency in gift giving).
Lutz & Weiss used both .800 and .835 fineness, based on items made in typical Jugendstil (Art Nouveau) style and Art Deco pieces, meaning fineness is not relevant for dating their silver.
Cannot help with dating air raids of RAF and USAF.
I think every question has been answered: the maker, dating and translation.
Best wishes

[JanGroen]

Good Evening
Thank you for the help. For me it is still fascinating to think of the journey this object must have traveled from Post WWI Germany to the tip of Africa.
Have a nice evening
Jannie