Marked Napier Sterling Silver Art Deco Cigarette Case. Marked inside, metal spring inside. 

Size: 4 1/4 x 3 x 1/4 in. 

Weight: 4.185 ozt. 

#7455 . 

The Napier Company is an American jewelry manufacturing company, and was one of the first modern corporations in the United States. The company is also known historically as a cutting-edge silver object manufacturer. The Napier Company got its start in North Attleboro, Massachusetts in 1878 under the name E. A. Bliss Co., manufacturing gilt men’s watch chains. The company relocated to Meriden, Connecticut in 1890 to accommodate its rapid growth. During World War I (and again in World War II), they ceased production of jewelry and instead focused on producing war-related items, such as medallions and medals. James H. Napier became president of the company in 1920 and the company was renamed as The Napier-Bliss Co. In 1922 the company changed its name once again to The Napier Company. The company was known for its ability to be on the forefront of fashion and design by regularly sending its designers to study trends and new looks appearing in Europe. In 1925 James Napier attended the World’s Fair Exposition Internationale des Artes Décoratifs et Industriels Modernes in Paris, which profoundly affected the direction of the company for the next decade. After Napier’s death in 1960 the company remained an independent entity until 1999 when it was bought by Victoria & Company. The plant in Meriden was closed by Victoria & Company that same year, but Napier brand jewelry is still being manufactured and distributed under the umbrella of Jones Apparel Group. Their Victorian Revival designs and Deco-style motifs are still highly sought after by collectors, particularly from the 1930s. Their designs can be found in museum collections including the Brooklyn Museum, the Newark Museum, and a substantial collection at the Dallas Museum of Art.