Italian Sorrento Marquetry Cigar Box with Rare Mechanical Rising Tray – c. 1935–1955 A finely handcrafted Italian marquetry cigar box, attributed to the renowned Sorrento school of inlaid wood craftsmanship, dating to approximately 1935–1955. Unlike ordinary Sorrento souvenir boxes, this example features an uncommon and highly sophisticated automatic rising cigar tray. As the tambour-style sliding lid is opened fully, the internal platform gently elevates the cigars, presenting them for easy selection. The mechanism is entirely mechanical and operates without springs, reflecting the ingenuity and quality associated with the finest Sorrento workshops. The box is executed in multiple contrasting hardwood veneers using traditional intarsia techniques. The geometric marquetry decoration is exceptionally precise and continues around the sides as well as the lid. The interior displays the same level of craftsmanship, with intricate border inlays, shaped presentation supports and concealed sliding guides. The construction quality, mechanical solution and extensive use of hand-cut veneers distinguish this piece from the later tourist production commonly encountered on the market. Although no maker’s label survives, the craftsmanship is entirely consistent with high-quality production from the Sorrento region, where decorative marquetry has been practised for centuries and reached international recognition during the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries. Condition Very good vintage condition. The sliding mechanism operates correctly and smoothly. Minor signs of age and use including light surface wear, small scratches and a minor age-related split to the underside, consistent with age. No missing marquetry. No major structural damage. ⸻ Dimensions * Length: 15 cm * Width: 10 cm * Height: 5 cm ⸻ Highlights * Italy, Sorrento * Circa 1935–1955 * Handcrafted marquetry * Tambour sliding lid * Rare automatic mechanical cigar lift * Multiple hardwood veneers * Fine geometric intarsia * Excellent collector’s piece * Fully functional ⸻ Shipping The item will be carefully packed using high-quality protective materials to ensure safe international transport. Tracked and insured shipping will be used whenever available and appropriate for the final sale value. The object will be dispatched promptly after payment confirmation. Taxes, VAT & Import Duties Any customs duties, import VAT, local taxes, customs clearance charges or other import-related fees are the sole responsibility of the buyer. These charges are not included in the purchase price or shipping costs and, where applicable, must be paid by the buyer in accordance with the import regulations of the destination country. Sorrento, Sorrento Ware, Italian marquetry, Italian intarsia, Tarsia Lignea, cigar box, cigar humidor, cigar case, mechanical cigar box, rising cigar tray, automatic cigar lift, tambour lid, sliding lid, handcrafted wood box, luxury cigar box, gentleman's box, tobacco collectible, tobacciana, Italian craftsmanship, marquetry box, intarsia box, geometric inlay, fine woodwork, fruitwood, walnut veneer, olive wood, decorative box, collector's box, Grand Tour, Neapolitan craftsmanship, Italy, Campania, Napoli, Sorrente, coffret à cigares, marqueterie italienne, boîte à cigares, boîte en marqueterie, coffret ancien, marqueterie de Sorrente, Zigarrenkasten, Intarsienarbeit, italienische Marketerie, Holzkassette, Zigarrenbox, Zigarrenkasten, Scatola portasigari, scatola intarsiata, intarsio sorrentina, tarsia lignea, artigianato italiano, scatola da collezione, caja de puros, marquetería italiana, caja de madera, caja de colección, caja artesanal, sigarenkist, Italiaans marqueterie, houten sigarenkist, sigarenhouder, scatola porta sigari, luxury desk accessory, collectible woodworking