Germany, Imperial. A Silver Cigarette Case Dedicated to an Army Officer

(Zigarettenetui in Silber). Constructed of silver, the lid bearing a central raised gilt German State Crown, engraved with initials “L.L.” at the upper left corner, and with a silvered and white enameled Cross of St. John, the interior with two elasticized bands securing contents in place, bearing an engraved inscription of “UNSERM VEREHRT. CHEF Z. AND. V. D. UOFFZ. U. MANNSCH. D. M. W. K. 45, 1920.” (“OUR ESTEEMED CHIEF, A MOMENTO FROM THE NCOs AND MEN OF M. W. K. 45, 1920”), possibly indicating Minenwerfer-Kompanie 45, marked with a silver hallmark of “WK”, a content number of “800”, and a crown and crescent moon indicating German manufacture, opening with a functional spring catch with exterior stud release and a functional hinge, retaining what is possibly a period original plain envelope, measuring 72 mm (w) x 100 mm (h), weighing 91.6 grams, there is a chip to the enamel of the three o’clock arm of the front cross, a unique dedicated piece in near extremely fine condition.