Egyptian/British Cigarette Case, Cairo 1944, WWII - Arabesque Design on Exterior For Sale

This handsome metal cigarette case features an elaborate hand engraved arabesque design on both sides of its exterior. The grooves of the design elements are variably painted green, red, black, and gold/brown. The engravings and paint work were likely produced by the hand of a local artisan. The interior of the case features an inscription stating: "Cairo, Egypt June 1944" and presumably was a presentation gift to be sent back home from one of the troops of the British Eighth Army (also known as the Army of the Nile) hosted on Egyptian soil during World War Two. The Eighth Army was a multi-national force with units that came from Australia, British India, Canada, Czechoslovakia, the Free French Forces, Greece, New Zealand, Poland, Rhodesia, South Africa, Mauritius, as well as the United Kingdom. Soldiers and officers would send small objects home to their loved ones to commemorate the historic period and share signs of their ongoing but distant affections. During June of 1944, the Empire's troops marched in a pageantry filled parade through Cairo in celebration of King George VI's birthday (famously dislocated from December to January). The traffic in Cairo came to a halt as thousands of people lined the main thoroughfares, and filled balconies to spectate and be a part of the momentous occasion. The King's birthday was also a time during which appointments to various orders were made, honors and medals bestowed in recognition of war service. Accordingly, this cigarette case could also have been issued or gifted to a ranking officer that was being recognized at that time. This item is a great collectible, and unique little piece of World War Two history that can be held in ones hands. It appeals to both the WW2 history buff, as well as the collector tobacciana. The item does have some minor cosmetic imperfections as one would naturally expect with a piece of this age and vintage. Please see all photos and feel free to ask if you have any questions concerning condition.