{"product_id":"belgian-gilt-bronze-cigar-box-1932-engraving","title":"Belgian | Renaissance Style | Gilt Bronze Cigar Box with 1932 Presentation Engraving | Circa 1900-1930","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHistorical Context \u0026amp; Origin\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eRegion:\u003c\/strong\u003e Belgium\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMaterial:\u003c\/strong\u003e Gilt bronze (or gilt brass), wood-lined interior\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePeriod:\u003c\/strong\u003e Early 20th Century (circa 1900–1930)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDescription\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis finely cast Belgian Renaissance Revival cigar box reflects the decorative historicism that characterized European metalwork in the early 20th century. Crafted in gilt bronze with richly detailed relief panels, the box is adorned with scenes inspired by Renaissance courtly life, mythology, and classical storytelling.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eEach side of the casket is decorated with sculptural narrative panels depicting figures in period dress engaged in scenes of music, courtship, and aristocratic life. The lid features an elaborate central tableau framed by intricate foliate ornament, while the borders are enriched with scrollwork, masks, and stylized Renaissance motifs.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe interior retains its original wood lining, designed to store cigars while protecting them from the metal exterior. A presentation plaque affixed to the interior lid records that the box was awarded as a prize in 1932 at Briars Golf \u0026amp; Country Club for the “Culfoyle Prize Ringer Competition,” won by Stanley C. Biggs. The underside is stamped “Made in Belgium,” confirming its origin in the Belgian decorative metalworking tradition.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFeatures\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e- Finely cast Renaissance Revival decorative panels\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e- Elaborate figural relief scenes on all sides\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e- Rich gilt finish with detailed ornamental borders\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e- Hinged lid with working clasp\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e- Original wood-lined interior\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e- Interior presentation plaque dated 1932\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e- Marked “Made in Belgium” on underside\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCultural Significance\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDuring the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Renaissance Revival decorative arts enjoyed widespread popularity across Europe. Belgian foundries became particularly known for producing finely cast ornamental metal objects inspired by Renaissance and Baroque designs. Decorative boxes such as this example were commonly used as cigar caskets, desk boxes, or presentation gifts, combining practical function with elaborate artistic craftsmanship.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCondition\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eVery good vintage condition with light wear consistent with age. The gilt surface retains a warm patina with minor surface marks and handling wear. The hinged lid functions properly and the interior wood lining remains intact. The presentation plaque is secure and legible.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDimensions (Approximate) \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHeight: 2.75 in\u003cbr\u003eWidth: 6.75 in\u003cbr\u003eDepth: 6 in\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAge (Approximate) \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e90–120 years old\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eLearn More\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDiscover the cultural resurgence and refinement of cigar traditions in \u003cstrong\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/rauantiques.com\/blogs\/canvases-carats-and-curiosities\/the-renaissance-of-the-cigar\" title=\"The Renaissance of the Cigar – Rau Antiques\"\u003ethis study of cigar history and collecting culture\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBrowse our curated \u003cstrong\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/relicandrarity.com\/collections\/20th-century-1900-1999-artifacts\" title=\"20th Century Artifacts Collection – Relic \u0026amp; Rarity\"\u003eCollection of 20th Century Artifacts\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Relic and Rarity","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":52928974782786,"sku":null,"price":400.0,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0955\/1803\/2194\/files\/belgian-renaissance-revival-gilt-bronze-cigar-box-1932.png?v=1776522113","url":"https:\/\/relicandrarity.com\/products\/belgian-gilt-bronze-cigar-box-1932-engraving","provider":"Relic \u0026 Rarity","version":"1.0","type":"link"}