This piece is in perfect condition. It is a silver cigarette case with an engraving of a US $100 bill on the frong, circa 1948.
Category
Tobacciana
Medium
Sterling Silver?
Distinguishing marks
Ginza Purchased $100 dollar bill cigarette case
Condition
Mint
Size and dimensions of this item
6.5" x 3.75"
Date Period
1948 or a few years earlier
Weight
7oz
History
This was purchased by my Great Uncle in Japan around 1948, and given to my Grandmother. He served in Japan durning and after WWII. This is in mint condition, never used. When he gave it to my grandmother, he also gave her a newspaper article, which she still has today. The newspaper article reported that the cigarette cases were going to become rare because the Japanese engraver, Kiyosuke Sakai had been arrested for doing the original engraving. This is a great piece of history, especially with the article to go with it. I've looked online and in antique stores, and we've never seen anything like it. My Grandmother is 82 now, and is very curious about the value and rarity of the piece.