Leopard Antiques Rare Silver Samorodok Cigarette Case

Rare Silver Samorodok Cigarette Case - Finland

Reference: S1351 Period: Elizabeth II Year: 1955 Silversmith: Miettinen & Nurmi Place: Turku, Finland Price: $ 680.00 Weight: 92 grams Dimensions: 8.8cm * 7.9cm Condition: Excellent. Hinge and clasp in perfect condition and working order. Elastic bands not present. Description: A very fine silver samorodok cigarette case, of extremely good quality. Samorodok is a technique that produces a beautifully textured nugget like effect on the surface, that resembles tree bark. It is achieved by heating the silver to a temperature just below melting point, then cooling it abruptly in water. It is a very difficult technique to master, so samorodok is quite rare. Most examples extant today are of Russian origin, many by notable makers like Faberge. The case was produced in Turku, Finland, in 1955, by the makers M&N (we welcome assistance with identification of this makers mark). Turku is a medieval city, noted for its fine goldsmiths, and is Finland's oldest city. The hallmarks are clear, makers mark, Finland National mark, 813H purity mark, Turku town mark, and date letter B7 for 1955. We have been advised that makers mark M&N is for Miettinen & Nurmi, established 1945. They changed their name to Turun Hopea in the late 1960's.

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