A Late Victorian Silver Plated Cigarette Case

Cigarettes were first introduced in 1865 and were sold to soldiers at the end of the Civil war in Amerca, these would be hand rolled. It wasnt until 1881 that the first cigarette making machine was invented. It was at this time that cigarette smoking became very popular. The first cigarettes were small, hence the sizes of the cases were much smaller.
 
This is a silver plated cigarette case, engraved with an ornate pattern. The inside is lined with faux tortoise and has two metal straps in place to stop the cigarettes moving around. Most likely intended for a lady, it would be for somebody of average income as the wealthier of society would have had a silver case.
 
The condition is good showinng no ware to the silver plate and the inside is very clean. The higes are in good order and the case closes well.
 
 
Dimensions when closed: 8.5cm x 7cm