Tindercord and Match Compartment Cigarette Case 2 - Unmarked

[tarkov]

Hi everyone,

I am %100 sure this case is silver as it is confirmed from a local silver master, its desing looks like Russian Tindercord and Match Compartment Cigarette Cases. However it looks quite new with contemporary outside surface. I just wonder if it has any historical value. Thank you.

[Qrt.S]

We have two "ifs" here. If it would be Russian made it must carry silver marks, please investigate more closely. The marks are not big and should be on every detachable part like you already found on the box in your other thread. Please give us the measures of this box. It could provide more information since Russian boxes have a different size because of their "papirossies' differing size". Nonetheless, if there are no marks, whatsoever, the likelihood of it being solid silver decreases quite a lot. However, it could be silver plated and that might have mislead your local master. Old things like this usually have a historical value irrespective of them being plated or solid silver. Of course a silver box's value is bigger that a plated one. It is a nice box anyway.

[Goldstein]

Hi -
this "snake skin" or "croco" pattern was very popular in France, Austria and Germany - but other countries used it also. Please have a close look for tiny marks somewhere hidden. The case is of very good quality and design - and it looks like silver. Unmarked silver is not very common....
This is a "modern" form with hidden tinder cord (moved with the tiny cogwheel up and down) - much easier to handle than with the dangling cord. This was the last version of this kind - matches won.

Goldstein

[tarkov]

I did look it till my eyes tired but unfortunately no noticeable marks or whatsoever. I am quite sure it is silver. However I will consult to other masters to find out its fineness. Thank you very much for both replies, kind regards.

[Qrt.S]

When you consult other masters, here a hint to keep in mind. If the master tells you that "yes it is 100% silver" then you know it is electroplated and not solid silver. Solid silver is never 100% because silver is always alloyed with usually copper but also with gold, palladium etc. otherwise it is too soft to work with. But the very thin silver surface on an electroplated object is always 100% pure silver.