A rare and unusual Victorian sterling silver novelty cigar holder, cutter and vesta case, London 1890 by Henry Stuart Brown

A rare and unusual Victorian sterling silver novelty cigar holder, cutter and vesta case, London 1890 by Henry Stuart Brown

formed as a Thames pleasure punt, a river boat with flat bottom and square bow and stern or huff, the till formed as a hinged vesta or matches case with striker to interior of the lid, a box section with an applied pad lock an chain forming the cigar cutter, depressed by a enamel Bailey and Co, Fulham salt glazed stoneware type ale jug, some of the treads forming cigar rests, a ring attachment to the bow. All upon four small wheels. Engraved underneath, ‘C F to DM, December 1898’ within scroll flourishes. Fully marked to the underside of stern, part-marked to the lid, maker’s mark to the cutter. Engraved underneath stern for retailer G WILSON, BARRETT & CO, 48 PICCADILLY. W.

Length – 21.7 cm / 8.5 inches

Weight – 188 grams / 6.04 ozt

Retailer George W Barrett (1859-1925), active at this address form circa 1887, renamed in 1896 to George Maurice & Co.