Kde Domov Muj Czech Anthem Antique Silver Case

Details

Description

Very ornate silver cigar and cigarette case with the first bars of the Czech national anthem engraved on it.
Extraordinary … Read more Very ornate silver cigar and cigarette case with the first bars of the Czech national anthem engraved on it.
Extraordinary find for anyone who takes pride in their Czech heritage and homeland!

"Kde Domov Muj" (Where my home is) has been THE Czech patriotic song since it was first heard at the Estates Theatre in Prague, December 21, 1834. Frantisek Skroup wrote the music and Josef Karjetan the words. The song was an unofficial anthem while the Czech people were subjects of Austria-Hungary. It was the official anthem (with some new words) of Czechoslovakia, 1918-1993, and is now the national anthem of Czechia (Czech Republic).

The words and music are on the front of the case above a romantic, hand etched scene of a Czech farmer plowing his field while his sweetheart, astride the plow horse, plays a violin. The idyllic etching is framed by voluptuous foliage.

The other side of the case is set with a silver plate, high relief of women bathing in a secluded woodland pond. The work is very detailed--just take a look at the dragonfly on the water near the bottom.
The sides of the case are completely engraved with leaves in Art Nouveau/ Vienna Secession style-- the same leaves are under the music. The interior has an unpolished, gold washed, surface. One side has a yellow, elasticized strap, the opposite side has two.

MARKINGS: AKP and 800 stamped inside both halves (as shown).
MEASURES 5-7/8" x 4" x 1-1/4"
MADE in Germany (?) circa early 20th C.

This Czech smoker's case is in very good condition. A good deal of the silver plate is worn off the the relief and the copper shows. No deep scratches, dings, dents or other damage found aside from normal surface wear. See less