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Tuesday, October 9, 2012

Holy Smoke

What's It Wednesday #45
Not to worry, I haven't taken up smoking. However, every time I bring home a new antique or vintage cigarette case, my husband yells "Holy Smoke!" About this time last year I posted about my Tobacciana collection. Although, my silver cases are among my favorites, the sunburst design on the outside is what makes this piece so special. 

My mother, only recently, gave me this "Sylva Chrome" cigarette case. She received this art deco case from a dear friend in the 70s and it dates back to the 1930s. I use my cigarette cases as picture frames. So I chose to put a picture of my dear grandfather (my mother's father) in this special case. 

My grandfather was an avid cigar smoker and on occasion would smoke a pipe. 

I recently purchased this enamel cigarette case from a local antique shop. It was produced by Stratton of London and they are known for also creating matching enamel compacts. Now you know I am on the look out for the compact.

When I first purchased the Stratton case, I figured it was to keep the Saart cigarette case (on the right) company. 

As you may recall, I purchased this cigarette case because I fell in love with the pheasant and it went so well with my mother's Asian jewelry box that she received in junior high. You see, this is how addictions get started. 

This case was the perfect place to add a picture of my mother during her university years.


I tend to display the cigarette cases in the Fall and Winter.

Vintage and antique cigarette cases make wonderful holiday gifts. (Hint, hint to all of my family members who are reading this post).
Many of my friends have asked me which of the cigarette cases is my favorite? My response is always the same, the one with a picture in it.

I will continue scouring the planet for beautiful cigarette cases and I look forward to hearing my husband say, "Holy Smoke!"

What are some of your favorite collections?

xoxoxoxo
Paula



48 comments:

  1. You have the most amazing collection as this one is!! My dad had a great cigarette case like this one, now my bro has it. I specially love how you've used them as frames for family pics...super clever idea!! Thank you for hosting yet, another terrific party at What's It Wednesday and for having me. Big hugs,
    FABBY

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  2. I think all of your collections you share with us are so lovely. Silver is my current passion,but I love my pink glass too. It is a lovely idea putting photo's into your cases. xx

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  3. Such a wonderful collection Paula! I love that you use them to hold pictures. I'm going to try that with the few that I have *winks* And I hope you're able to find the matching stratton compact! Wouldn't that be cool?! I'll keep my eyes open for you ....BTW your Grandfather was very handsome*winks* Thanks again for hosting this lovely party. Vanna

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  4. Beautiful collection! I just love visiting your awesome blog. Thank you so much for another wonderful party, too! :)

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  5. You have the most unusual and intriguing collections, I love all of them!!! Now that is a clever idea to use the cases as frames....I have and old cigarette case, gonna borrow your idea!!! hugs...cleo

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  6. Paula, what a fabulous collection!I love that use them as frames...that is such a great idea! Thanks so much for hosting this great party. Always glad to link up!

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  7. What a lovely idea, to put photographs in cigarette cases. I have to say this, Your grandfather was a really looker! What a handsome man! Thank you for your inspiration and for sharing your wonderful collection.

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  8. Hi Paula. Your cigarette cases are just beautiful and such a great idea to put your pictures in them. Is that your cute little boy with the pumpkin? He's got to be the favorite. Thank you for hosting again. Always a great party..Happy Tuesday..Judy

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  9. I so enjoy coming to your page! Beautiful every time! Thank you for hosting a great party!

    Kristy @ Shona Skye Creations
    http://shonaskye.blogspot.com

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  10. Wow, what an awesome collection - love that you use them as picture frames... great idea! Thanks for hosting every week :)
    ~Pernilla

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  11. Your cigarette cases are lovely. I'm still pondering a mirror I saw in a local shop that came from a cigarette vending machine. It's got etched art deco lettering across the top that spells out "cigarettes". After seeing your collection, I'm thinking I should go back and buy it. It was $20 and who doesn't need another mirror, right?

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  12. So many beautiful things in this post!!

    Thanks so much for hosting!!

    Hugs,
    Deb

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  13. Paula you have a beautiful collection! They sure made smoking seem glamorous! What a great idea to display your photos of your family!Your Grandfather was handsome!Hmm I guess my biggest collection would be my white ironstone.Just can't get enough of that!
    Thank you for hosting! Have a great week!
    xx
    Anne

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  14. I love your idea for cigarette cases...and the photos are fantastic. You have a pretty family!

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  15. Oh I do remember these. They were quite the fashion. Thanks for sharing and hosting. Hugs, marty

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  16. I love that you add pictures to the cigarette cases, it makes them really special. I collect dishes and I am running our of room!!! I need to switch to something smaller. Thanks for hosting again this week. Laura

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  17. Your collections, as always are displayed with such artistry. Thank you for hosting.
    Joy

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  18. What a beautiful collection. Always love getting new ideas, putting pictures in cigarette cases. Very creative!
    Thanks for hosting a fun party.


    Jody

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  19. That is a fantastic collection! Almost makes me want to start smoking, lol! Kidding aside, I love, love, love how you repurposed the cigarette cases in such a healthier way by using them as frames.

    You're right when you say that's how addictions get started. You inherit one beautiful thing and that's it!

    Thank you for hosting!

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  20. Beautiful, beautiful collection! What a good idea to use them as picture frames. Your grandfather was a very handsome man! Very enjoyed the post and thanks for hosting!
    Hugs, Cindy

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  21. What a delightful post and oh, my goodness...Just look at those sweet little punkins! Your collection is spectacular. What wonderful treasures!
    I hope you have a great day,
    Blessings,
    Carolynn xo



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  22. Thank you for hosting! Wishing you a beautiful rest of the week. Toodles, Kathryn @TheDedicatedHouse

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  23. What wonderful collections you have. It's a pleasure that you are sharing them. I am loving all of these wonderful treasure and photos.

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  24. What a fantastic and unusual collection. You've used your cigarette cases so creatively!
    Thanks, too, for hosting!
    Nancy

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  25. Hi Paula, What a neat collection. That's a great idea to use them as picture frames. Gina

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  26. I also love old cigarette cases. These are really beautiful. Great idea to use them as photo frames. Something I have been looking for is an old tobacco/snuff box. No luck yet... Do you have any of those?

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  27. What a wonderful idea with the cigarette cases!!!
    Thanks for the invitation to link up My Paris Apartment - have yourself a wonderful wknd - filled with Paris dreams lol
    Big hugs,
    Suzan

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  28. I know that in one sense it is a bit odd, but I too have a collection of vintage cigarette cases and cigar boxes,... and never smoked a single cigarette in my life. Can relate!

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  29. Thanks for the invite to your party. You always have such interesting posts!
    Karee

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  30. Hi, Paula! Thank you so much for visiting me and for you sweet comments, and I am taking you up on your invitation! Your collection is just awesome, and I love that you've put sweet pictures in them! (What a handsome man your Grandfather was!)
    Have a wonderful weekend, dear!
    Hugs,
    Anne

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  31. I really like how they make such cute picture frames. Thanks for hosting a fun party!
    Blessings,
    Janet

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  32. I always learn something fun and interesting here, Paula! :) Thanks for the invite to your party, too! Have a wonderful weekend, girlie!

    xoxo laurie

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  33. Your cases are so pretty. I have never seen one while thrifting or I probably would have gotten it! Thanks for hosting the party:)

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  34. Hi Paula! Thanks for stopping by my blog and leaving me a comment.
    I've already linked up my latest project, thanks for the invite!
    Hugs from Spain

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  35. thanks so much for the invite to your party. I really appreciate it. I have put it on my list
    Have a great Sunday
    Debi @ Adorned from Above

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  36. Hello Paula.... I just love your exquisite collections you featured today... hard to choose a favorite one... and I know you treasure the precious memories of loved ones that fill each one as well... love your "hint, hint" for Christmas gifts too!... I'll have to try that... I have my daddy's beautiful silver cigarette lighter... he smoked until he came home from WWII then my older sister was born, and he quit cold turkey... this was long before anyone knew the dangers associated... my grandpa always smoked a cigar and I still love the smell of a good one, probably because of the memories associated with it as well... much love, xoxo Julie Marie PS Hi Patti!

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  37. Thank you for hosting this party! It's such a joy to to come to your beautiful site every week! This is a particularly beautiful collection!

    Kristy @ Shona Skye Creations
    http://shonaskye.blogspot.com

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  38. Paula, I think these cigarette cases have to be some of the finest in your collections! Placing photographs in them is a great way to show them off, too. :-)

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  39. Paula love all your treasures especially the ones of your personal pics! Thanx for joining THT!

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  40. Just wonderful!
    I tried to link up but the collection had already closed. Maybe next week.
    Thank you for sharing your treasures with us and for hosting a great party.
    Best,
    Elizabeth

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  41. What a nice collection! I really like your idea of using those lovely cases as picture frames.

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  42. Hi Paula long time no see LOL.

    I have been in bed with horrible bulging disks in my back and just now feeling like running around to my favorite blogs

    I have a few old cigarette cases and when I get home I'm going to get them all together. I know I have a picture of my Mother in one . It has a clear top with momograms on it

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  43. Hello, dear Paula! Oh boy, am I late here...but what a gorgeous collection! And what a gorgeous family! :)
    I have always loved cigarette cases, and your idea with the photos is brilliant...
    As for the compacts, you might want to peek at Dianne's blog Yonks..
    http://yonksnews.blogspot.com/2011/11/magical-loch-awe.html
    She is in the U.K., and has many goodies from the early 20th century in her Etsy shop...you could also ask her to be on the lookout for the compacts...good luck!
    Wishes for a fabulous week!
    xoxo,
    -Irina

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  44. Oops! Sorry...here's a more current link....
    http://yonksnews.blogspot.com/

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  45. Well, I'm truly glad you haven't taken up smoking, but I'm delighted that you shared these beauties with us.

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  46. OK you two, no party for two weeks? Is everything alright? I'm getting worried. I hope you're both just too busy enjoying the sunshine with your families. Vanna

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  47. What a lovely idea, to put photographs in cigarette cases. I have to say this, Your grandfather was a really looker! What a handsome man! Thank you for your inspiration and for sharing your wonderful collection.

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Thank you so much for your comments! We enjoy hearing from you.