Vintage Art Deco German ( Alpacca) silvered engine turned cigarette/ card case.if this was solid silver it would be hundreds  This lovely case could now be used as a card case or just a great desk/ home decor item. Some age related wear. Lovely spring loaded opener.
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9 cm wide ( closed
18 cm wide open
8 cm tall
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Alpacca silver, also known as German silver or nickel silver, is an alloy of copper, zinc, and nickel, developed in 19th-century Germany as a less expensive substitute for silver. Its history is tied to the development of electroplating, which made it an excellent and widely used base for silver-plated items. While some manufacturers named the alloy "Alpacca," the name also became associated with Mexican and South American jewelry and decorative objects.
Key points in its history
Origins: The alloy was developed in Germany in the 19th century, with the name "Alpacca" or "Neusilber" (New Silver) being trademarked by the Berndorf company.
Manufacturing: The process was introduced to England in 1830, and a similar form was developed in Birmingham, England, in 1832.
Electroplating: The modern process for electroplating nickel silver was patented in Birmingham in 1840 by the Elkington cousins. This was a pivotal development, as the alloy was a strong and bright base for the plating process.
Usage: It was used for both silver-plated wares and as an unplated material for items like cutlery.
Modern association: Today, "alpaca" is frequently used for Mexican and South American items, while "alpacca" is more common for European pieces.
Composition: Alpaca is a nickel-based alloy that contains no actual silver, though some items may be mislabeled with "alpaca" and sterling marks. The exact composition can vary, but it typically consists of 60-65% copper, 5-25% nickel, and 10-30% zinc.
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Engine turning on silver originated in the late 18th century and peaked in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, a time when it was used to decorate items like pocket watches, jewelry, and dressing case fittings. This mechanized engraving technique uses a rose engine or decorative lathe to create intricate, repetitive geometric patterns on a metal surface. Today, the practice is a rare and specialized craft, as many of the original machines were scrapped and the skill became less in demand.