Vintage Faux-Tortoiseshell Celluloid Cigarette Case, Curved Shell, Brass-Tone Frame, Twin Yellow Elastic Bands

Amber, ruby, and smoke held inside an early plastic shell. No tortoise required.

A striking vintage cigarette case made from translucent cellulose nitrate, commonly known as celluloid, in a richly marbled faux-tortoiseshell finish. Deep brown and burgundy fields open into flashes of glowing amber and red as the case moves through the light, giving each face its own shifting pattern.

The rectangular case has gently curved shells and softly rounded corners, joined by a brass-tone metal frame and hinged spine. Inside, the same translucent marbling continues uninterrupted and both original yellow elastic cigarette bands remain present.

This is a manufactured tortoiseshell-effect material and contains no genuine animal shell. No maker's marks or origin marks have been found, so the maker, country, and precise date remain unknown.

The case has been well used. Both celluloid faces show extensive fine surface scratching and scuffing; the brass-tone frame has plating loss, dark spotting, oxidation, and heavier wear around the hinge. The elastic bands show age and discolouration. The marbled material remains visually rich despite the wear.

The Particulars:

• Form: Curved rectangular hinged cigarette case with rounded corners
• Material: Cellulose nitrate / celluloid in a faux-tortoiseshell finish; no genuine tortoiseshell
• Colour: Translucent dark brown, burgundy, ruby red, and amber marbling
• Frame: Brass-tone metal with hinged spine and edge clasp
• Interior: Matching celluloid surfaces with both original yellow elastic retaining bands present
• Marks: Unmarked; maker, origin, and exact date unknown
• Condition: Well-used vintage condition. Extensive surface scratching and scuffing to the celluloid; plating loss, oxidation, spotting, and wear to the metal frame and hinge; elastic bands aged and discoloured. Please review all photographs carefully before purchasing.
• Care: Celluloid is heat-sensitive and combustible. Store away from open flame, high heat, and prolonged direct sunlight.

Made to imitate rarity. A century later, the imitation has become rare enough on its own.

Arrives carefully wrapped as a vault relic.