With a little detective work and price comparison online, I cracked the case. The item in question was actually a vintage brass cigarette holder. A chic, sturdy accessory that was once widely used to protect and stash away cigarettes. Long before we had today’s disposable plastic versions, it was something made to last.
Cursory Look Back at the Culture of Cigarettes:
Cigarette holders like this one were purely functional, but they were also more than that. They were created for those who cared about presenting and preserving things. Made of metal, frequently brass or copper, these holders protected cigarettes from being crushed or otherwise abused. And some were even waterproof. A lot of them (especially in regions like Asia and the Middle East) showcased elaborate patterns, cultural symbols, and religious iconography.
Antique market tours
In those days, pulling a cigarette from a holder like this was as much a fashion statement as a habit. It was a statement about taste, attention and a little luxury in everyday life.
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