This fine antique Indian Colonial silver cigarette box has a plain rectangular form.
The surface of this Indian silver box is plain and unembellished.
This antique Indian box is fitted with a hinged cover with an incurved thumbpiece to the front.
The cover is ornamented with fine and impressive applied decoration depicting components of the Middlesex Regiment's cap badge: '57'* amidst tied laurel beneath the Duke of Cambridge's cornet** and the wording 'Albuhera'.
The box has a cedar lined interior and a solid silver base; a solid silver base is a sign of quality.
* The 57th Regiment of Foot (West Middlesex) are otherwise known as the "Die-hards"; this was coined after the Commanding Officer Colonel William Inglis cried for his men to "Die hard the 57th, die hard' in the Battle of Albuhera in 1811.
** In 1920 the Duke of Cambridge's Own was re-named The Middlesex Regiment.
View the complete collection of smoking related silverware at AC Silver
Maker: Unknown