Add a touch of early 20th-century sophistication to your desk or dresser with this handsome antique State Express Cigarette Box.
Manufactured by the Ardath Tobacco Co. in London, England, this charming "bow-front" desk box has an elegant neoclassical design, complete with an embossed beaded oval and delicate garland detailing. The brand name "State Express" was famously inspired by the founder's fascination with the record-breaking New York Empire State Express steam locomotive, giving this British antique a fantastic transatlantic backstory.
This box is made of a solid silver-toned metal (likely nickel silver or silver-plated brass). It is light in weight and has a nice tactile feel to it.
Age: Circa 1900–1920 (Edwardian / Early Art Deco period)
Origin: London, England (Ardath Tobacco Co.)
Design: Curved bow-front with embossed neoclassical garland motifs
Condition: Fair antique condition with a rich, natural dark patina. Please note: the original interior cedar wood lining is missing, and there is a slight, age-related warp to the back metal panel near the hinge. However, the hinge is completely stable, and the lid closes well and securely.
Because the interior is purely metal, it is incredibly versatile—making it a perfect catch-all for keys, a luxury business card holder, or a unique valet box for jewellery and watches or somewhere to keep your collection of guitar picks.
A beautiful, high-character piece of tobacciana history left unpolished so you can choose to keep its antique patina or buff it to a bright silver shine!
Dimensions: 9cms high, 9cms deep, 17cms wide
Please check all photos and only buy if you are happy with what you see. Thank you
Add a touch of early 20th-century sophistication to your desk or dresser with this handsome antique State Express Cigarette Box.
Manufactured by the Ardath Tobacco Co. in London, England, this charming "bow-front" desk box has an elegant neoclassical design, complete with an embossed beaded oval and delicate garland detailing. The brand name "State Express" was famously inspired by the founder's fascination with the record-breaking New York Empire State Express steam locomotive, giving this British antique a fantastic transatlantic backstory.
This box is made of a solid silver-toned metal (likely nickel silver or silver-plated brass). It is light in weight and has a nice tactile feel to it.
Age: Circa 1900–1920 (Edwardian / Early Art Deco period)
Origin: London, England (Ardath Tobacco Co.)
Design: Curved bow-front with embossed neoclassical garland motifs
Condition: Fair antique condition with a rich, natural dark patina. Please note: the original interior cedar wood lining is missing, and there is a slight, age-related warp to the back metal panel near the hinge. However, the hinge is completely stable, and the lid closes well and securely.
Because the interior is purely metal, it is incredibly versatile—making it a perfect catch-all for keys, a luxury business card holder, or a unique valet box for jewellery and watches or somewhere to keep your collection of guitar picks.
A beautiful, high-character piece of tobacciana history left unpolished so you can choose to keep its antique patina or buff it to a bright silver shine!
Dimensions: 9cms high, 9cms deep, 17cms wide
Please check all photos and only buy if you are happy with what you see. Thank you
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