box, cigarette
Object
Accession Number
2018.004.002Description
Rectangular sterling silver cigarette box. Main compartment is a rectangular box with a hinged lid, lined with cedar. On the main compartment lid is a smaller rectangular vesta (match-case) with a textured metal strip along the long edges for striking matches. The vesta lid is engraved with two arms in armour held upright and grasping an annulet (part of the Musgrave of Tourin coat of arms). Beneath these is an engraved banner containing the motto; “SANS CHARGER” (WITHOUT CHANGING). The underside of the box is covered with black leather, perhaps walrus hide. The case sits on four small, fixed silver wheels. Hallmarks are located on the front exterior of the cigarette case, but are undecipherable. Unworn hallmarks are located on the gold-washed bottom side of the lid of the cigarette case and also on the bottom side of the un-gilded lid of the vesta. The London, England retailer’s name and address are stamped into the bottom edge of the cigarette case.Narrative
This late 19th Century sterling silver cigarette container was used by Sir Richard John Musgrave, 5th Bt, and Lady Musgrave (nee Jessie Sophia Dunsmuir), 6th daughter of Hon. Robert and Joan Dunsmuir. This historically important and well-made object bearing the Musgrave family coat of arms is tangible evidence of the Vancouver Island Dunsmuir family’s first marriage into the British aristocracy.
History of Use
Hallmarks and the retailer’s mark on this object reveal that it was made in 1889 by George Heath of London, England. It was subsequently retailed by the firm of Albert Baker, 5 New Bond St., London W., England. The container then became the property of Sir Richard and Lady Musgrave and was engraved with the partial coat of arms of the family, Musgrave of Tourin.
On September 23, 1891, Sir Richard John Musgrave, 5th Bt married Jessie Sophia Dunsmuir, sixth daughter of Hon. Robert and Joan Dunsmuir. The wedding took place at Victoria’s Christ Church Cathedral and the reception was held at Craigdarroch Castle. The couple travelled to Ireland to reside at Tourin, the ancestral home of the Musgrave family at Cappoquin, co. Waterford, Ireland. Sir Richard and Lady Musgrave were both photographed smoking cigarettes during their lifetimes, and they used this case at Tourin. The case remained at Tourin until it was given to Craigdarroch Castle by their descendants in 2018.
Date
1889Dimensions
6 x 9 x 13 cmmain box: 5 cm high vesta: 6cm x 4.5 cm x 1 cm
Material
Metal, silver, sterling; Leather; Wood, cedarBrand Name
;Serial Number
;Patent Number
;School/Style
;Inscription
SANS CHARGER [WITHOUT CHANGING]Country of Origin
;United KingdomRelated people/businesses/organizations
George Heath (manufacturer)Jessie Sophia Dunsmuir (owner)
