‘Mein Benz’ cigarette case, c. 1913

A very rare silver and guilloché enamel cigarette case with cabochon clasp circa 1913, German. In a bespoke, fitted grey leather presentation box.

The image of the attractive young lady embracing her Benz is one of the most enduring and most popular automotive advertising images. Her first appearance dates from 1913, in which her car was bright red. Both the young lady and her automobile evolved over the following 15 years, as fashions and automobile design also changed. The cigarette cases were available, usually as gifts, to the wives or companions of gentlemen who ordered a new Benz or Mercedes automobile. Of the different pieces made bearing the “Mein Benz” image, it is cigarette cases such as this one, made in silver and guilloche enamel, which are the most sought-after.

Size of cigarette case: 3½ x 3 inches (9 x 7 cms).

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