301: ARCHDUKE EUGEN'S KAISERLY .900 SILVER CIGARETTE CASE

The silver case with Austrian hallmarks for 900 silver is embellished with a gold cabochon studded Order of the Golden Fleece upper left topped by a crown with enamel frieze and two cushion cut rubies encircling a stylized capital letter E. The spring loaded catch is topped by a sapphire cabochon centering two capital letter initials T and M. The interior is stamped Rozet & Fischmeister for the Vienna, Austria firm famous for their tradition of serving the monarchs of the Austro-Hungarian Empire. The original red leather presentation box is included. A paper label lettered by hand in ink fountain pen on the underside of the red leather box translates roughly to 'Cigarette case from his Kaiserly and Kingly Emperor to the most highly worthy and most revered master Archduke Eugene on the occasion of the grand opening of the Winschau Train Meran-Mals on July 1, 1906.

Archduke Eugen (1863 - 1954) Austro-Hungarian Field Marshall on the Italian front during World War I purportedly attended the wedding of his friend(s) Ed and Valerie Goodwin who later settled in Warrensburg, Missouri near Whiteman Air Base. Valerie was an Austrian war bride. The Goodwins later donated their estate to the university in Warrensburg and this case was sold there at public auction.
Measures 3.75 x 2.75 inches.
Very good original condition, noting that seven of the tiny cabochons on the order necklace are chipped a there are no issues of damage or repair, light wear at some edges.
$1,000 - $1,500