Fred Karno Signed 9k Gold & Sterling Cigarette Box UK Comedian - Charlie Chaplin

Description

ITEM: Gold and Silver English Box with History
CREATOR: John Millward Banks, Chester, England
DETAILS: A remarkable and large cigarette box, solid 9k gold lid on sterling silver body. All hand-made, hammered, both parts gilt-washed inside and out. Signed and inscribed by Fred Karno, originator of British slapstick comedy and the man who discovered Charlie Chaplin and Stan Laurel. Initials on top are "AR,"
which may refer to Alfred Reeves, Charlie Chaplin’s longtime manager.  I gather that Arthur Reeves met Charlie Chaplin while the two performed with Fred Karno’s famous comedy troupe prior to leaving England for the United States in 1910, where Reeves would become Chaplin's manager.
Perhaps
this was a "Good Luck" gift
from Karno to Reeves as he set off to launch Charlie Chaplin’s stateside career...but that's just a theory.
ENGRAVING: On lid, "AR." Inside, along with hallmarks, "With best of luck from Fred Karno"
PERIOD: Edwardian
ORIGIN: United Kingdom
DATE: 1906 (date code)
MATERIAL:
Sterling silver and solid 9 carat gold (substantial gold content)
MARKS: Hallmarked inside lid; "JMB, 9, .375," etc. No mark on silver.
CONDITION:
Minor age and wear from time and use. Gilt wash mostly worn off the outside. Lid rests just slightly ajar.
DIMENSIONS:  5 1/4" by 2 3/8" by 2 1/4" high
WEIGHT: Total
weight 324 grams
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SHIPPING:  Free within the United States via USPS Parcel Select.
INTERNATIONAL SHIPPING:
Sorry, not for this item.
SELLER:  Experienced and friendly, offering excellent service.  Please contact me with any questions.