Cigarette holders were fashionable items from the 1910’s and were especially popular during the Art Deco era. Reference: Wikipedia. Hollywood films would often portray ladies smoking using holders and it was considered glamorous during those years. Many of them would be made from bakelite but precious metals and gemstones were also used including onyx and amber.
Below are some examples and price guides of Art Deco cigarette holders including some by Cartier and a French minaudiere.
AN ART DECO DIAMOND, ONYX, ROCK
CRYSTAL
AND BAKELITE CIGARETTE HOLDER
unsigned; with signed Boucheron
fitted box; length: 4 1/2in.
Sold for US$ 4,000 (£ 2,963) inc. premium at Bonham’s in 2017
A GOLD CIGARETTE HOLDER AND LIGHTER The engine-turned case opening to reveal a matching cigarette holder at one end and lighter to the other, (engraved initials G.F, lighter broken), 6.9 cm. long, with French assay mark for gold
Sold for CHF 239 at Christie’s in 2003
Art Deco Gold, Black Enamel and Coral Cigarette Holder, Cartier, France 18 kt., rectangular buff-topped cabochon coral, signed Cartier, Paris, with maker’s mark & French assay mark, partially obscured, c. 1920, minor enamel loss, ap. 7.7 dwts. 4 1/4 x 1/2 to 7/16 inches. With signed & fitted box.
Sold for $1,250 (includes buyer’s premium) at Doyle in 2018
AN ART DECO ONYX, DIAMOND AND AMBER CIGARETTE HOLDER, EARLY 20TH CENTURY the body formed of a polished piece of black onyx with amber mouthpiece, accented by a row of single cut diamonds, unmarked, 14.7cm, 10.1g.
Sold for £1,200 at Elmwood’s in 2020
A French Art Deco gold, enamel, hardstone and diamond Minaudiere, Janesich, Paris, circa 1925 with black champlevé enamel lines, diamond thumbpiece and borders, interior with a mirrored compartment and fitted with a bakelite cigarette holder and gold lipstick holder , the top and base with hinged compartments, one with a striker, the covers set with onyx marked on interior rims and lipstick with maker’s mark and French control marks, cover rim stamped JANESICH twice and numbered 70971 length 4 1/2 in.
Sold for 10,000 USD at Sotheby’s in 2015
Cartier Art Deco Platinum Diamond Enamel Cigarette Holder. Faux Tortoise, platinum, and enamel with graduating rose-cut diamonds. Original case. Missing mouthpiece and losses to one side of enamel
Sold for $375 at Applebrook Auctions & Estate Sales in 2020
