Austrian Silver and Enamel Cigarette Case by Schuch’s L. Nachfolger, G. Edlauer

Description Depicting a Male in Full Military Dress From our Cigarette Cases collection, we are delighted to offer this Austrian Silver and Enamel Cigarette Case. The case features a central enamel panel finely depicting Field Marshal Franz Conrad von Hötzendorf on horseback, executed in monochrome with the inscription “Hansl” in blue enamel below. The silver body is of square rounded form with a subtle polished surface, opening to reveal a silver-gilt interior. The inside is stamped with the maker’s mark for Schuch’s L. Nachfolger, G. Edlauer, Vienna, suppliers to the Imperial Household, and bears the model number 18474. This piece represents the high quality of Viennese silver and enamel work of the period. The Austrian Silver and Enamel Cigarette Case dates to the Art Nouveau period, circa 1900. Schuch’s L. Nachfolger, G. Edlauer The firm of L. Schuch’s, Austrian Imperial Court supplier, was founded in 1831, and was succeeded by G. Edlauer. Holics, in Slovakia, was at this date a part of the Hapsburg empire. Franz Conrad von Hötzendorf (1852-1925) was a high-ranking military officer in the Austro-Hungarian Empire, best known for serving as the Chief of the General Staff during the years leading up to and during the early part of World War I. He was a key figure in planning military operations and was known for his aggressive stance on preemptive war, especially against Serbia and Italy. He served as K.u.k. Feldmarschall (field marshal) and Chief of the General Staff of the military of the Austro-Hungarian Army and Navy from 1906 to 1917. He was in charge during the July Crisis of 1914 that caused World War I. His strategies were often bold but didn’t always succeed, and he’s a controversial figure because of the role he played in decisions that helped push Europe into war. Despite his failures, he remained an influential and symbolic figure in the empire’s military history. Enamel (vitreous enamel) also known as porcelain enamel, is a material made by fusing powdered glass to a substrate by firing, usually between 750 and 850 °C. The powder melts, flows, and then hardens to a smooth, durable vitreous coating. The word vitreous comes from the Latin vitreous, meaning “glassy”. Sterling Silver is an alloy composed by weight of 92.5% silver and 7.5% other metals, usually copper. The sterling silver standard has a minimum millesimal fineness (parts per thousand) of 925. Art Nouveau was an international style of art and architecture, especially the decorative arts. It was inspired by natural forms such as the curves of plants and flowers. Other characteristics of Art Nouveau were a sense of dynamism, movement and the use of modern materials particularly iron, glass and ceramics to create unusual forms. It was popular between 1890 and 1910 during the Belle Époque period and before the First World War. It was a reaction against the academic art, eclecticism and historicism of 19th century architecture and decoration. Measurements 9cm High x 8.5cm Wide x 1.5cm Deep ( 3.54 x 3.35 x 0.6 Inches) Condition Very Good With every purchase from Jacksons Antique, you will receive our latest product guide, certificate of authenticity, full tracking information so you can monitor your shipment from start to finish and our personal no-hassle, money-back policy giving you that extra confidence when purchasing. Don’t forget to sign up to our free monthly newsletter for 10% off your first online purchase.