Cigarette dispenser - .900 silver - Rare Italian Silver 900

Rare Italian Silver 900 Cigarette Case with Hand-Painted Enamel Panel Depicting the Explorer Cruiser “Falco” – Early 20th Century

Elegant and historically evocative Italian cigarette case crafted in 900 silver, dating to the early decades of the 20th century (circa 1920–1935).

The front is decorated with a finely executed enamel panel depicting the Italian explorer cruiser R. Esploratore Falco, a notable vessel of the Regia Marina. The quality of the artwork, the delicate shading, and the individual character of the brushwork suggest that the scene was most likely hand-painted.

The interior retains its attractive gold-washed finish (vermeil), creating a refined contrast with the silver exterior. The case is marked 900 silver and presents a pleasing antique patina consistent with age and careful use.

The Falco was an important Italian naval vessel built by the Pattison shipyards in Naples and commissioned into the Regia Marina in 1920. Originally classified as an explorer cruiser (esploratore), she later served under the Spanish Navy as Ceuta, making this piece particularly appealing to collectors of naval memorabilia and maritime antiques.

Condition
Overall in good antique condition with age-related wear, surface marks, and minor signs of use consistent with a genuine period piece. The enamel panel shows a small crack/chip to the upper left corner, clearly visible in the photographs, but it remains stable and does not detract from the impressive visual impact of the decoration. The interior gilding remains well preserved.

Specifications

* Material: Solid Silver 900
* Interior: Gold-washed (vermeil)
* Decoration: Enamel panel depicting the explorer cruiser Falco
* Origin: Italy
* Period: Early 20th century (circa 1920–1935)
* Dimensions: 9.0 × 7.3 × 1.5 cm
* Weight: 146 g
* Hallmark: 900
* Condition: Good antique condition with minor wear and a small enamel crack/chip at the upper left corner

A fascinating combination of Italian silverwork, naval history, and decorative enamel art, ideal for collectors of maritime memorabilia, military antiques, and fine European silver.