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ARTIFACT:
This is an extremely rare cigarette, actually cheroot at this early period, case made of silver, from an American Field Service driver named Philip Durant Horton Smith. The interior of the cigarette case holds a photograph of Smith's sweetheart and has a cloth, and at one time elastic, band for securing cheroots. The front of the case is engraved with Smith's initials over an enameled Red White & Blue Patriotic Shield, emblematic of the American Field Service at this early point (see the bronze Adrian Helmet Plate with the similar "Federal" Shield), and the reverse is engraved with the initials of the 3 friends who presented Smith with this wonderful cigarette case, in honor of his Noble Cause for going "Over There". FROM W.H.K. J.C.H. W.R.G. No doubt friends from Dartmouth.
Smith attended Dartmouth College, drove with the Field Service for three months in 1915, and went on to achieve the rank of Captain in the American Red Cross during the course of World War I. Philip drove an ambulance for SSU-2 from July 16th, 1915, until September 16th, 1915, so he was a very early member of the organization. Smith's AFS Service Document (image attached, NOT available) has him erroneously listed as Philip Durant Hamilton Smith.
In civilian life, Smith was a famous Boston area Architect with the firm of Smith & Walker. Along with the case is an American Legion Medal, with a note, naming Smith as Past Commander of Norman Prince Post 182 in Wenham, Massachusetts.
VINTAGE:
Circa 1915, early World War I.
SIZE:
Approximately: Cigarette case: 3-1/4" in height x 2-9/16" in width x 1/2" in depth; American Legion medal: 3" in height x 1-9/16" at its widest point.
MATERIALS / CONSTRUCTION:
Cigarette case: sterling silver; medal: gold-plated sterling silver with enamel and silk ribbon and bronze star seal.
ATTACHMENT:
Cigarette case: to be carried in pocket. Medal: horizontal drop-in locking catch.
MARKINGS:
Cigarette case: STERLING and three maker's marks, W a rudimentary eagle or bird, and S. As well as the serial number: 7452. Medal: PAT. DE. 54296 STERLING with Balfour maker's mark.
ITEM NOTES:
This is from an American Field Service Collection which we will be listing more of over the next few months. VBEX03 LFGEX7/10 SLABGEX10/01/24 SAAJJX10/24
CONDITION:
Cheroot case: 7+ (Very Fine+): Cheroot case has lovely gunmetal patina to the silver, and light wear to the enamel decoration on obverse. There are some light bumps and abrasions, equivalent of what is it be expected after jostling around on shelled out ox cart roads in a Model T Ambulance for 3 months in 1915! Overall condition Very Fine+.
Medal has only light wear, probably 9- (Excellent+). I give the group, or at least the more important historical piece, and Overall Very Fine + condition.
GUARANTEE: As with all my artifacts, this piece is guaranteed to be original, as described.
