Accession Number

2020.008.009

Alternate Name

cigarette case

Description

A silver cigarette case in two equal-sized parts hinged together in the middle, the outsides of each part decorated with many small squares of hatching and cross-hatching, the insides of plain flat silver with one half containing two slotted tabs for a strap to hold cigarettes in position. A blue elasticized fabric strap is present, held in place with a steel pin but not likely original to the object and therefore not accessioned. Hallmarks inside the case indicate manufacture in Birmingham, England, in 1921 by an as-yet unidentified maker with the initials “RN” inside an stamped oval-shaped depression.

Narrative

The Dunsmuir/Bryden family provenance of this silver cigarette case makes it useful in telling the Dunsmuir family story in exhibits and publications. It was collected for this reason.

History of Use

This cigarette case was first owned and used by Dunsmuir descendant John William Bryden (1869-1953) at his Oak Bay B.C. residence at 899 Transit Road, and subsequently at his waterfront house in Royston, Vancouver Island (near Cumberland and Courtenay). It was then inherited by his son Gerald Robert Bryden (1913-1992) of Royston and then by his daughter in Courtney, from whom it was acquired by The Castle Society.

Date

1921

Material

Metal, alloy; Metal, silver; Metal, silver

Technique

Electroplated; Machined

Country of Origin

United States of America