Sampson Mordan Co. Snuff Boxes and Tobacco

An art deco pocket-box designed by Alfred Dunhill. This is a fabulous pocket cigarettes box made in England during the art deco period. This unusual box was created for the luxury brand of Alfred Dunhill, back in 1921. The presentation box is fitted with a push pressure thumb-button and mechanical springs system. The box was carefully crafted at the Sampson Mordan & Co. workshops in solid .925/.999 sterling silver with accents in polished 18 karats yellow gold and gilded interiors. The box is mainly decorated on both sides, with engine turned geometrics patterns and polished finishes. The craftsmanship of this box is exceptional, with minuses details. No traces of use or wear. Weight: 84.2 Grams, (53.98 Dwt). Measurements: 83 mm by 72.5 mm by 10 mm (3.27 x 2.85 x 0.39 Inches). Hallmarks: Stamped with British mark for England and the city of London; the maker's mark S.M & CO associated to Sampson Mordan & Co. (Sampson Mordan II), the mark for the assay of the .925 silver and the 18kt gold, the four-digits model number, the code-letter of a gothic F for the assay date of 1921 and signed in full as follows: "DUNHILL LONDON STERLING T-179 PATENT 31 S.M&CO F". Alfred Dunhill He inherited his father’s London saddlery in 1893. Following the increase in motor car ownership, Alfred developed the business to include motoring accessories, which he called ‘Dunhill’s Motorities’. This included goggles, timepieces, picnic sets, and leather coats, and it wasn’t long before the brand became associated with men’s general motoring attire. They opened two shops in Mayfair and had a catalogue of over 1300 items. Between the 1904 and 1905, Dunhill introduced their ‘Windshield Pipe’, to help drivers combat the effect of wind and travel on their ability to smoke. This marked both the end of the ‘motorities’ focus and their entry into the world of smoking ephemera, and they shortly opened their first tobacconist in 1907 on Duke Street. The proximity to several esteemed Private Members Clubs around the Mayfair, St James’ area ensured that the venture was a success. (From Nicholas Wells With Thanks). Sampson Mordan & Co. By 1865, the Mordan’s manufactory was based at 41 City Road, London, and later expanded to include No. 43. At some point the two brothers were joined in partnership by Edmund George Johnson...