By the nineteenth century cigarettes were in widespread use and cigarette cases became increasingly fashionable. Fabergé perfected the art of producing cases that were ideal both to handle and use. From the simplest styles in plain wood to the most elaborate gold and enamelled versions, their concealed hinges, smooth edges and jewelled push pieces made them the ultimate accessory in the late Victorian and Edwardian eras.This example is made of gold in a technique known as samorodok (gold nugget), where the plate metal is brought almost to melting point and then removed quickly from the furnace, causing rapid shrinking and a crumpled appearance. It was given to King George V by Queen Alexandra.

Mark of Eduard Schramm; gold mark of 56 zolotniks (before 1896)

Text adapted from Fabergé in the Royal Collection