Help identify a cigarette case

Hello,

I am hoping to identify this apparent silver cigarette case. It has been in my family for a few generations and I'm curious about its origin. The marks inside the case appear to be BEP or BER. Although it is very dirty and tarnished. I do plan to clean it up a bit in the next week or so and look closer. The letters on the engraving are HB, initials of the original owner is what i was told. That same story dated it to the early 20th century and of French origin. Any insight is appreciated. Photos in the link. Thank you!

5 Items

 

close as i can get the the engraving

20240517_231139.JPG

 

2024, & we generally do do links from folks that we do not yet know........

would you yourself open an unknown link...??

a silver case...... polish it....now....and bring the marks to light..!!

then post some good clear photo's

Are U a NEW MEMBER, just found this site,LOOK HERE 1st ....

 

there is a Russian silversmith with master's mark: BEP for Vasilij Egorovich Rukavishnikov, there should be a 875 silver mark but I can only see the BEP in image above

 

Thank you! The date lines up with what I was told, but now I'm curious how he had a custom engraved Russian piece, when as far as I know, he never went to Russia.
I did a light cleaning but still cant make out the second mark. And I don't want to go to heavy on it. But thank you so much for the info, its much appreciated.

 

just remember......it started out life as a shiny high polished silver case......
no amount of polishing now will hurt it !

 

Well some amount would, right? You’d have a sore arm though. ;p. I feel like a loupe would probably solve the mark photography issue though.

 

not if u can do this.....

a cigarette case is the easiest silver to polish...

it palm size.....and mostly flat.........
and unless u use Tarnex....... it's hard to hurt with a good rub......... imo..!