Samorodok Silver Cigarette Case

An unusual case made from reticulated 'Samorodok' silver with sprung hinge and gilt lined interior. 925 sterling purity stamp, 'Sun's Head' (Phoebus) import mark used at that time and date letter for the year 1905.

Dimensions: 8.25 cm/3¼ inches (width) x 8 cm/3⅛ inches (depth) x 1 cm/⅜ inch (thick).

Samorodok is a Russian word meaning 'metal in its natural state'. This method of working gold, silver and other precious metals was made most famous in Russia, by Fabergé, and is a very difficult technique to master.

The distinctive finish is achieved by heating the metal to a temperature just below its melting point before cooling it abruptly in water, the results resembling raw metal ore.