Vintage Colibri Cigarette Case, Mother-of-Pearl Panel, Interior Mirror, Two-Tone Metal

Slivers of shell catch the light outside; a time-clouded mirror waits within.

This vintage Colibri cigarette case brings an unexpected vanity detail to a pocket accessory: an interior mirror framed by finely lined gold-tone metal. Across the front, rectangular mother-of-pearl sections form a staggered arrangement, shifting between creamy white, pale honey, and soft pearlescent flashes as the light changes.

A silver-coloured outer frame contrasts with the gold-tone reverse and interior. Inside, a shaped retaining fitting bears the Colibri name, above a textured compartment. The mirror occupies the opposite side, making this a particularly appealing crossover between pocket collectible and miniature vanity piece.

The Particulars

• Brand: Colibri, marked on the interior retaining fitting
• Type: Vintage cigarette case with interior mirror
• Front: Rectangular mother-of-pearl sections in a staggered panel
• Exterior: Silver-coloured frame and gold-tone reverse
• Interior: Gold-tone lined and textured metal, retaining fitting, and rectangular mirror
• Metal composition and plating: Unconfirmed; no solid silver or gold claim
• Condition: Used vintage condition with definite reverse damage, metal wear, and mirror foxing
• Exact date and country of manufacture: Unidentified
• Included: Case only; photographic props excluded

The reverse has conspicuous patchy surface loss and discolouration across the gold-tone finish, with scratches and more concentrated deterioration near the edges. This is damage rather than a pristine or evenly aged finish. The outer frame and hinge also show rubbing, scratches, and darkened areas. Close-ups show the individual shell sections and their joins, with small edge irregularities visible.

The interior mirror has pronounced foxing and irregular cloudy or missing reflective areas, including deterioration around the edges. It should not be expected to provide a clear, undamaged reflection. The surrounding metal and retaining fitting show scratches and age-related wear. The case is photographed open and closed, but catch strength and retaining-fitting tension have not been tested.

A luminous-fronted pocket relic with its history plainly visible, for a keeper who enjoys both the gleam and the imperfections of vintage objects. Carefully nestled in its treasure coffin, a vault relic from Vaen’kai Vault.