Chinese Brass Cigarette Case with Scene Of British TIENTSIN Concession c. 1920

Description

This rare Chinese made cigarette case features a scene from the British concession territory in Tianjin (formerly Romanized as Tientsin).  Foreign concession territories were granted by Qing China to a number of European countries in Tianjin.  The British held a territory of some 200 acres in the city on the right bank of the river Haihe below the native city.  It was held by lease in perpetuity granted by the Chinese government to the British crown.  It was held from 1860-1943.  It was blockaded by the Japanese invaders of China in 1939 causing a diplomatic crisis.  It was formally returned to China in 1943 but they could not take possession until the Japanese left in 1945.  Our cigarette case in engraved or acid etched with a scene within the concession featuring Victoria Park and the WWI memorial to the the "Glorious Dead" It is misdated MCMXI - MCMXIX.  The box also features a map of part of China in the background.  The relief areas in the engraving look to have been silver plated when the piece was made.  There is a slight dent in the lid and the latch is no longer functioning but otherwise the piece is in good antique condition.
Stock Number SA2A-371a