German WW1 Cigar/Cigarette Box with Iron Cross on top

[RamZ67]

Hello guys, picked up this neat box a few weeks ago. I am guessing its a cigar or cigarette box but I am wondering if its an original item or some type of repro. It has some age to it and a very detailed diestruck Iron Cross on the lid. I don't see any markings of any kind. Any thoughts or opinions welcomed. Thanks!

[RamZ67]

Anyone?

[RamZ67]

I guess its very rare then, nobody has seen another like it.

[Don D.]

Possibly a patriotic piece from the period or shortly after. Hard to say when it was made. Any markings on it?

[RamZ67]

Possibly a patriotic piece from the period or shortly after. Hard to say when it was made. Any markings on it?

Hi Don thanks, no markings anywhere. I was thinking Patriotic Piece too but a couple of guys I know think its a Cigar or Cigarette Box but could be used for anything I imagine.
I always look online for any others when I find something like this before I post but could't find one like it. I did see one similar to this on a site but when I clicked on the pic it was not there. A dealer online has some similar but with smaller Iron Crosses on top and he is calling them Cigarette Boxes. Was just curious how common these were and what their purpose was? Either way I like it so I guess thats all that matters.
I know most of this stuff is considered common and most people don't get excited about it but its all new to me. The pics don't do it justice, the iron cross on top is very detailed.

[Don D.]

Actually something like this is hard to judge which seems to limit commentary. There may have been thousands at one time but I doubt many survived. A nice display piece and conversation starter imo.

[RamZ67]

Actually something like this is hard to judge which seems to limit commentary. There may have been thousands at one time but I doubt many survived. A nice display piece and conversation starter imo.

Thanks Don! I picked it up a few weeks ago, looked like it had been stored in an attic for many many years. Had a very thick coating of attic dust on it at least thats what I believe it was, been in too many and thats what it reminded me of.
Thanks for the comments!

[Brian L.]

I think these were used for candy or chocolates.

[RamZ67]

I think these were used for candy or chocolates.

Interesting, I guess they could have put just about anything in them to sell, thanks!

[Reichsword]

Nice box ! Agree that most of these were made for cigarette's actually fairly common ,often found with cedar liners for a humider. I collect these as a side hobby , great patriotic piece. Congrats

[RamZ67]

Nice box ! Agree that most of these were made for cigarette's actually fairly common ,often found with cedar liners for a humider. I collect these as a side hobby , great patriotic piece. Congrats

I see, that makes sense as well. I have seen similar boxes with no decoration lined with wood as seen in humidors. I am always looking for things like this as a side hobby as well, first one I have picked up and at 89.00 not too bad a price for a neat item.
Thanks!

[gregM]

WE seen somewhat similar boxes pop up every now and again. See here---

http://dev.wehrmacht-awards.com/foru...&highlight=box

http://dev.wehrmacht-awards.com/foru...&highlight=box

[RamZ67]

WE seen somewhat similar boxes pop up every now and again. See here---

http://dev.wehrmacht-awards.com/foru...&highlight=box

http://dev.wehrmacht-awards.com/foru...&highlight=box

Thanks Greg! Looked in a search a few days ago on here but all that kept coming up was the Cigarette Cases. That one looks just like it! I like the pic of your box as well.
Thanks for the link!