A rare Nicholas II late 19^th century Russian 84 zolotnik silver cigar case cum vesta, Saint Petersburg 1898 by Mikhail Yakovlevich Isakov (active 1889-99)

Rectangular form with rounded edges. The hinged lid raised by unmarked gold thumbpiece set with a foiled backed faceted coloured paste. The lid with a double opening to reveal twin apertures for photographs. The side with a hinged opening for vestas with a serrated striker to the interior. Lighter rope with pull out chain. Gilt interior. Marked to the interior with a first trial kokoshnik (used 1^stJuly – 31^st Dec 1898) for assayer Yakor Lyapunov and maker’s mark MИ.

Length – 13.9 cm / 5 inches

Weight – 528 grams / 16.98 ozt