Greetings, I have a sterling silver cigarette case once belonging to Governor George W.P. Hunt. Governor Hunt was territorial governor of Arizona and continued as state governor after Arizona became a state. He was our country's longest serving governor and was in office for decades interrupted only by a few years as ambassador to Siam. It was while serving as ambassador that he was given this case.
The case is a beautiful work of silver art by Hong Kong silversmith Kwon Man Shing who worked at his craft from 1875 to 1925. It was given to the governor by A.L. Waters. Mr. Waters was an engineer who traveled from California to Arizona in 1910 or 1911 and either started or worked at the pioneer foundry in Tucson.
The case was given to me by my adopted grandfather Mr. Noel Dockery who was born in Douglas Arizona in the 1890's. He met Governor Hunt while pushing a bicycle along a road in the hot Arizona sun. The governor came along and offered a ride. It was some years later that the case was given to him. He gave it to me in 1966.
Any input will certainly be appreciated. Thanks..
Description
Category
Silver and Silver Overlay
Medium
Silver with gold plating inside...
Distinguishing marks
Hallmarked "KMS", inscribed "To G.W.P.H. from A.L. Waters Hong Kong Aug. 1920"
Condition
Good
Size and dimensions of this item
Approx. 3.5" by 4.5"
Date Period
1920
History
See discription...
For Sale?
No
Re: Arizona Territorial Governor's Cigarette Case...
Will consider selling, just curious to see what value it might have. Thanks