Erotic-themed cigarette case from Sweden, 1910.
 
In order to protect the somewhat delicate hand-rolled cigarettes that were sold during the early part of the 20th century, fashionable cigarette cases crafted in gold, silver or other precious materials started popping up in the hands of elite members of society all around the world.

These cases became a venue for artists to use their handiwork to produce images that would appeal to all kinds of customers, including those who enjoyed gazing at erotic images while enjoying a relaxing smoke. Born out of function cigarette cases became decadent pieces of art. Even the posh egg-man Peter Carl Fabergé designed cigarette cases in the late 19th century that were ornately decorated with precious jewels such as diamonds, sapphires and emeralds. While Fabergé‘s fancy cigarette cases were fit for the gentry or royal crowds, the “erotic” themed cases in this post were probably not flashed around by members of the upper-class or aristocracy while in mixed company.

Due to their age they are quite hard to come by and the exquisite cases have been known to fetch anywhere from $3000 to $9000 when they come up for auction at Christie’s or Sotheby’s. Occasionally these authentic era-specific cases do pop up on sites like Etsy and eBay but even then they can run several hundred dollars a pop. I’ve got a number of beautiful erotic cigarette cases for you to look at below—that said, though they are incredible works of vintage art (some of which are over 100 years old), they are NSFW.
 

Germany, early 1900s.
 

Vienna, 1913.
 

 

Germany, 1910.
 

Germany, early 1920s.
 

Early 1900s.
 

Early 1900s.
 

The surprise inside of a cigarette case from the early 1900s.
 

Birmingham, 1907.
 

1904.
 

Early 1900s.
 

 

A set of three erotic cigarette cases from the early 1900s one of which depicts a very sexy topless sword fight! Auction estimates ranged from $6000 to $8000 dollars.
 

 

Partially nude belly dancers adorn these three cigarette cases from the early 1900s. Auction estimates for this trio also ranged from ranged from $6000 to $8000 dollars.

Previously on Dangerous Minds:
Graphic anti-smoking ads from around the world
Smoking is ‘The Drag’ in this ultra-groovy 1966 anti-smoking PSA