Two Chinese Export Sterling Silver Cigarette Cases

Early 20th century, the first, mark of KH, made in Hong Kong, the lid featuring and engraved seascape with architectural motifs, not monogrammed; the second, marked "Sterling", with engraved character mark to verso, featuring a repousse dragon to the lid against a hammered ground, and a gold wash interior, inscribed "Helen B". XRF tested sterling.

Each approximately 3 x 4 1/2 in.

8.9 total troy oz.

From the Collection of Helen Rindlbacher Ward, and by descent
Helen Rindlbacher Ward was born in Shanghai in 1936 to German parents, her father was one of the few foreigners who worked at the Chinese Aluminium Rolling Mills, Ltd company. Her family returned to Germany in 1955, and Helen moved to the United States in 1965 after marrying an Army officer. The Chinese artworks in this collection were all acquired in Shanghai during the 1930s-1950s.

Good estate condition, some very light evidence of use.