+44 (0)208 133 5895

Scarab

Sold

Art Deco black enamel white Alpacca metal & gilt cigarette case

I like decorative cigarette cases and this one is very elegant which I suspect because of its size was made for a woman. It is made of white metal that is gilded inside and black enamelled outside with part of the enamel cut away on the front in a geometric pattern to reveal the silver metal underneath. It is hinged down one long side with a white metal bar push opener on the opposite side. It has the elastic cigarette retainer inside and one of the inside rims is stamped "ALPACCA" which would lead me to believe that it was made in Germany.

Approximate dimensions:
Weight: 3.10zs - 89gms
Dimensions: 3.74ins x 2.76ins x 0.2ins - 9.5cms x 7cms x 0.5cms

Alpaca/Alpacca
Alpaca/Alpacca is a type of alloy containing copper, zinc, and nickel along with tin.

The Alpacca alloy was developed in 1823 by the German chemist Dr. Ernst August Geitner (1783-1852). It looked like silver, but was significantly cheaper. Initially the new was called "Argentan" and quickly became very popular. The Gebrueder Henninger (Henninger Bros.) proposed a similar alloy (5-30% nickel, 45-70% copper and 8-45% zinc with trace amounts of lead, tin and iron) which they called "Neusilber". Later both Argentan and Neusilber were used under the trade name of Alpacca (or Alpakka).

Join The Club

The Scarab Club

Gain exclusive access to early stock releases, utilise our finder service, receive email updates and much more.

Register your details with us to join The Scarab Club

Already a member? LOG IN

Join The Scarab Club

Other items of interest

  • Sold
    Couplet Freres Art Deco Belgian amboyna stationery box

    POA Details

  • Emy Wahlstrom for Herman Bergman Swedish Art Nouveau bronze candelabra

    £750 Details

  • Maurice Delannoy La Force Art Deco silvered metal medal on bakelite

    £125 Details

Back to the top ^