A Masonic cigarette case, 925/1000 sterling silver, commemorating the dead of the First World War, signed Tiffany, USA 1920.

United States circa 1920.

2600 EURO

A silver Masonic cigarette case. Crafted from fluted 925 sterling silver in the shape of a cigarette box. The lid opens by pressing a button flush with the top right edge. On either side of the box, in the center, are two embossed gilt-silver elements: a square and compass on one side and a cross with an angel on the other, in memory of the victims of the First World War (1914-1918). It is a dense fusion of military, commemorative, and, clearly, Masonic iconography, establishing the Masonic affiliation of the institution that created the object, or of the recipient. The date 1914-18 refers to the global chronology of the conflict. Freemasonry was strongly committed to assisting the wounded, veterans, and war orphans. The angel holds an object reminiscent of the façade of a classical temple or a colonnaded altar. In Masonic symbolism, the “Temple” (inspired by Solomon’s Temple) is the center of ritual work and interior construction. The laurel symbolizes glory and victory, while the oak symbolizes strength, virtue, and martyrdom for one’s country. Signed Tiffany, USA, circa 1920.

3” – 8 CM H 1” – 2.5 CM L 1” – 2.5 CM D

REF: M6273

A silver Masonic cigarette case. Crafted from fluted 925 sterling silver in the shape of a cigarette box. The lid opens by pressing a button flush with the top right edge. On either side of the box, in the center, are two embossed gilt-silver elements: a square and compass on one side and a cross with an angel on the other, in memory of the victims of the First World War (1914-1918). It is a dense fusion of military, commemorative, and, clearly, Masonic iconography, establishing the Masonic affiliation of the institution that created the object, or of the recipient. The date 1914-18 refers to the global chronology of the conflict. Freemasonry was strongly committed to assisting the wounded, veterans, and war orphans. The angel holds an object reminiscent of the façade of a classical temple or a colonnaded altar. In Masonic symbolism, the “Temple” (inspired by Solomon’s Temple) is the center of ritual work and interior construction. The laurel symbolizes glory and victory, while the oak symbolizes strength, virtue, and martyrdom for one’s country. Signed Tiffany, USA, circa 1920.
3” – 8 CM H 1” – 2.5 CM L 1” – 2.5 CM D
REF: M6273