$60.48
$75.6
Description Fantastic Steeplechase Scene From our Cigarette Cases collection, we’re pleased to offer this silver-plated and enamel cigarette case dating to the Art Nouveau period, circa 1910. The case features a finely painted enamel panel showing a humorous moment from a steeplechase horse race. In the foreground, a jockey in pink has been unseated mid-jump and lands headfirst onto the grassy riverbank, while his horse plunges into the water just behind. Above them, a second horse and rider clear the obstacle with ease. The scene is painted in bright colours with sharp detail, capturing both motion and comedy against a soft rural background. The case opens via a push-button thumb tab and reveals a silver gilt interior, well preserved with a warm finish. It is marked E.P.N.S. (Electro Plated Nickel Silver to the inside, confirming its silver-plated construction over base metal, typical of English novelty cases and accessories of the early twentieth century. Dating to around 1910, the case reflects the popular use of sporting scenes in late Art Nouveau and Edwardian personal accessories. The subject matter, detailed enamel work, and humorous scene make it a distinctive and appealing example. A playful and finely finished enamel cigarette case from the early twentieth century, combining decorative quality with sporting character. E.P.N.S. stands for Electro Plated Nickel Silver, a common marking found on silver-plated items produced from the 19th century onward. The base metal, nickel silver, is an alloy typically made from copper, nickel, and zinc. It contains no actual silver but has a silvery appearance. A thin layer of pure silver is applied to the surface through the process of electroplating, which gives the item the look and surface qualities of solid silver at a more accessible cost. E.P.N.S. was widely used for decorative and functional objects such as cutlery, tea ware, candlesticks, cigarette cases and personal accessories, particularly during the Victorian, Edwardian, and early 20th century periods. The technique allowed for detailed designs and durable finishes, making it popular in both domestic and export markets. Steeplechase Originating in 18th century Ireland, steeplechase began as cross-country races between church steeples, which served as visible landmarks. The course would naturally include hedgerows, streams, and stone walls, developing into a sport that tested both the speed and agility of horse and rider. By the 19th century, steeplechase had become a formalised discipline in British and European racing, with dedicated courses and organised events. It remains a popular and demanding sport, closely associated with national hunt racing in the United Kingdom and events like the Grand National. Steeplechase scenes, with their dynamic movement and dramatic falls, became a recurring subject in sporting art, decorative objects, and novelty items, particularly during the Edwardian period, when equestrian culture was at its height in British society. 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”. 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 8.5cm High x 10cm Wide x 1cm Deep (3.35 x 3.94 x 0.4 Inches) CONDITION Good – plate wear to the outer extremities, enamel in great condition 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.
Sold Archive
