Object Description
A leather hide Cigar Case with envelope for matches.
The cigar case is made to a standard form of two sleeves. One fits inside the other to allow the length to be adjusted to the cigars. The case has an envelope for vestas or matches to the outside with a metal striking pad fixed to the bottom of the inner sleeve.
Some calling cards for Mrs Berkeley W. Soper of Kingsleigh, Loudwater, Bucks. are contained within the case. Twenty year old Sarah Soper married Berkeley, ten years her senior, in 1897. Following on from his father John, Berkeley Soper was a paper manufacturer by trade. The High Wycombe area has a long history of paper mills and no doubt the Sopers owned one of them. Hedge Mill is close to Loudwater and it is possible they bought it from the Spicer family in 1864.
The case is much older than the cards within it but they do suggest that the Cigar Case was owned by members of the Soper family. Berkeley’s father John was born in 1830 and may have been the original purchaser.
The case is well made and stamped with a panel showing a pair of winged mythical beasts either side of a shield with a crown above and the word ‘Cigar’. Cigar cases with vesta envelopes are not easy to find and even less so in good condition. Circa 1845.