NAPIER 19278 Mechanical Foldable Cigarette Case In .925 Sterling Silver

Mechanical foldable box designed by Napier. This is a very interesting and unusual foldable mechanical case, created in America during the art deco period by the Napier company, back in the late 1920's. The rare case has been crafted in solid .925/.999 sterling silver and 18 karats gilded interiors, all with highly polished finishes. It is fitted with two sets of concealed six-barrels hinges with two springs for the mechanical opening. This box was presented at the Club Hemphill during the 1928 new year's eve festivities. Weight: 90.2 Grams, (57.87 Dwt).  Measurements: 77 mm by 65 mm by 20 mm (3.02 x 2.55 x 0.79 Inches). Hallmarks: Stamped with the maker's mark, the mark for the assay of the silver and, the three-digits serial numbers and signed, "NAPIER STERLING 578". Napier Company The Napier Company got its start in North Attleboro, Massachusetts 1878, under the name of The E. A. Bliss Co., manufacturing gilt men's watch chains. In 1882, the company became incorporated as The E. A. Bliss Company with the word "The" as part of its legal name. The company relocated to Meriden, Connecticut in 1890, after the company sustained rapid growth in the previous decade. During World War I (and again in World War II), they ceased production of jewelry, and instead focused on producing war-related items, such as medallions and medals. James H. Napier became president of the company in 1920, and the company was renamed, The Napier-Bliss Co. In 1922, the company again