Vintage Stratton Gold-Tone Engine-Turned Cigarette Case, Reeded Ribbed Exterior, Scalloped Corners, Made in England, 1950s

There is a certain kind of object that was made to be carried every day and still looked considered. This is one of them.

This is a vintage Stratton cigarette case in warm gold-tone metal, made in England and dating to the 1950s. The exterior is covered in fine vertical engine-turned reeding, closely spaced, precisely executed, catching the light in the particular way that only hand-finished metalwork does. The corners are gently scalloped, softening what might otherwise be a purely utilitarian form into something with a little ceremony about it.

The interior is equally considered: the same reeded gold-tone lining throughout, and a pierced geometric retaining clip in a cross-and-diamond pattern that holds the contents in place with a kind of decorative practicality. The push-button clasp operates cleanly. The maker's mark is stamped clearly on the interior clip: Stratton, Made in England.

Stratton of Birmingham were the pre-eminent British vanity accessory maker of the mid-twentieth century, known for objects designed to be used and kept. This case presents beautifully, looking nearly new despite its age, the kind of piece that was clearly well cared for across its lifetime.

The Particulars:

• Brand: Stratton
• Origin: Made in England
• Period: 1950s
• Material: Gold-tone metal, engine-turned reeded exterior
• Design: Rectangular cigarette case, scalloped corners, push-button clasp, pierced geometric retaining clip interior
• Markings: Stratton, Made in England, stamped on interior clip
• Style: Mid-century British / dark academia / gentleman's accessories / collector's piece
• Condition: Very good vintage condition. Presents nearly new with only light age wear consistent with its era. No original case or slip included. Please review all photos carefully.

A vault relic for the collector who understands that some things were made to be carried, not displayed.

Arrives tucked inside its own treasure coffin and carefully wrapped as a vault relic, ready for gifting or keeping.