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| 2nd. South African Infantry Silver Cigarette Case - Lieutenant Symons, Delville Wood
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Reference: S11578
Period: George V
Year: 1915
Silversmith: Cohen & Charles
Place: Chester
Price: $ 780.00
Weight: 100 grams
Dimensions: 8.5 cm square
Condition: Box has multiple small and medium dents, and dents to corners. Hinge and clasp work well, snug closure. Original elastic bands still present but very worn. Interior stained.
Description: An interesting sterling silver cigarette case, which may have been present at the battle of Delville Wood during World War I. The box is the usual square curved shape, but is is the engraving that makes it interesting. The box is engraved with the badge of the 2nd. South African Infantry Regiment, 2 running Wildebeest above scrolls reading "Natal & O.F.S., 2nd. S. African Inf", above owners name "Lieut. T.H. Symons". The front is also engraved with 2 bands of lotus flowers, which we think indicates the box was engraved in Egypt. The back is engraved "Egypt 1915" and "France 1915-1918". The interior of the box is clearly hallmarked for Chester 1915, with makers mark C&C for Cohen & Charles. The box is still serviceable, with hinge and clasp working, but is covered with numerous small dents, this box has been well used and has seen much action, which we think adds to its appeal. The 2nd. South African Infantry Regiment, part of the South African Overseas Expeditionary Force during the First World War, was raised with troops from Natal and Orange Free State, many volunteers from the Kaffrarian Rifles. It was commanded by Brigadier General Henry Lukin DSO, and attached to the 9th. Scottish Division. The Regiment captured the village of Longueval on 15 July 1916, at Delville Wood. The South Africans, under command of Lieut. Colonel Tanner, endured 5 days of hell until they were relieved on 20 July, with only 780 men out of 3153 that entered the wood present at roll call afterwards. It is remembered as the supreme symbol of South Africa's sacrifice and courage. They later served at Ypres and Passchendale in 1917, and Marrieres Wood, Messines and Le Cateau in 1918 (source Wikipedia). We have not been able to trace Lieut T.H. Symons, he is not recorded in the Delville Wood memorial honour roll (which honours the fallen), so further research is required.
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2nd. South African Infantry Silver Cigarette Case
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South African Infantry Silver Cigarette Case - Lieutenant Symons
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Natal & OFS 2nd. S.African Inf
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Silver Cigarette Case - Lieutenant Symons, Dellville Wood
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Egypt 1915, France 1915-1918
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South African Infantry Silver Cigarette Case gilded interior
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Cohen & Charles Chester silver hallmarks
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Silver hallmarks lion date letter
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Delville Wood silver case
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