Silver Plated Presentation Cigarette Box – Royal Engineers

This is a very nice presentation silver plated cigarette box. Its engraved stating:

“Presented to 39 Brigade Sergeant Mess – from W01 Mick Owen Royal Engineers – January 1973” – of course in a condensed version as you can see in the photo.

From August 1969, the 39 Brigade, were involved in “The Troubles” in Northern Ireland. Their primary active areas were Eastern Belfast leading to the entire Eastern Province, but excluding the South Armagh border region. From September 1970, it was commanded by Brigadier Frank Kitson.

This box is in excellent condition as now approaching 46 years old. Underneath it is stamped “ARISTOCRAT – H.E.P.N.S.B. – MADE IN ENGLAND. Internal the wood lining is in excellent condition without any cracking. The hinge is sound and totally perfect. Box measures 180mm X 120mm X depth 80mm – approximately. Under the box there are two areas where remnants of labels were stuck, I am sure these could be removed if needed by careful cleaning.

A very nice presentation box from a seriously troubled time in the history of Northern Ireland.