Antique of the Month - A Royal Air Force Fencing Club Cigarette Dispenser (c. 1925-45)

This month’s Antique of the Month from the Historic Johanna Brotch House isn’t a maritime one, but is a very unusual one!  It’s the cigarette dispenser once held by the Royal Air Force (England) Fencing Union (Club).  It’s made of the highest quality oak you will ever see as can be seen by the beautiful wood grain.  The construction is also of the highest skill.  Even approaching 100 years later, the top closes so perfectly snug it really is unbelievable.  Considering it’s made of wood, to be able to make two pieces of wood fit so perfectly (the tolerances for all for edges have to be extremely tight) is a real testimony to the level of craftsmanship of the era.  The RAF Fencing Union insignia on the top and both the fencing sculpture and dispensing handle in front are all of solid brass.  The date range of c. 1925 -45 is based on the RAF having been formed officially in 1918 and the talent of woodworking (and all other similar talent) having disappeared after the Second World War.  No woodworker in the world today could make anything like this, even if this quality of wood could even be found today.  Finally, this dispenser is a testimony to an era long gone.  Not just the disappearance of cigarettes, but the whole idea there would be a dispenser made for them.  This dispenser was a focal point in the socializing at the club, a part of people’s interaction with each other.  Gone forever now, but worth remembering.   

     I hope you enjoy the photos!