Cannon smoker’s compendium, 1881

A superbly heavy and very unusual Sterling silver and rose-gilded cigar lighter and smoking compendium in the stylized form of ‘Mons Meg’, the mighty 16th Century cannon now displayed at Edinburgh Castle. With the ‘barrel’ capable of holding 25 cigars, a removable taper and a match striker set to the rear. Hallmarked Louis Dee, London, 1881.

Length overall: 9½ inches (23 cms).

Note: Louis Dee (1831 – 1884) was one of the 19th Century’s most imaginative silversmiths. The family firm of HW + L Dee was established in London’s Soho in 1820 as manufacturing silversmiths, and gained a reputation as designers and makers of luxurious “novelty” silver for Asprey, Garrard’s and Lenoliers. Following Louis Dee’s early death from “English cholera” at the age of 53, the firm closed, the remaining stock being auctioned in Pall Mall in May 1885.

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