W N LTD - Cigarette case - .915 silver - Rare WWI silver cigarette

Rare WWI silver cigarette case — identified as belonging to 2nd Lt K.R.B. Kershaw, 9th Gordon Highlanders, killed at Loos 25 September 1915

A sterling silver cigarette case, fully hallmarked Birmingham 1915, maker William Neale Ltd (WN Ltd). Dimensions: 8.5 × 6.5 cm. The exterior bears an elegant engraved monogram KRB in interlaced script. The interior retains its original fabric elastic retaining straps and, notably, a handstitched red felt cross on one panel — a deeply personal addition consistent with wartime use.

Through hallmark dating and monogram research, this object has been positively identified as belonging to Second Lieutenant Kenneth Robert Beresford Kershaw, 9th Battalion, Gordon Highlanders, 15th (Scottish) Division. He was killed in action on 25 September 1915 — the opening day of the Battle of Loos — one of the bloodiest British offensives of the First World War. He is buried at Fosse 7 Military Cemetery, Mazingarbe, France.

The case was manufactured in Birmingham in 1915, the same year Kershaw was commissioned and deployed to France. The red cross stitched inside suggests a deeply personal gesture — possibly by a family member before his departure.

The object is accompanied by its CWGC identification record. All hallmarks are crisp and fully legible. Structurally intact — hinge, clasp, and case body all in excellent working order. Surface shows honest age-related wear consistent with field use.