A Dunhill 9 carat gold cigarette box, London 1958, signed Bando

Rectangular form with chequered decoration, plain bar thumbpiece, wood lined interior, length 17.5cm. Sold for £3,500 plus Premium and tax

Footnote: The name Bando first appeared in a Dunhill catalogue as early as 1919 and Alfred Dunhill referred to Bando as follows "These superb cases are the work of the renowned master craftsman in precious metal, Matteo Cellini, known familiarly to his fellow workmen as 'Bando'. In beauty of design and perfection of craftsmanship they rival the famous craftsmen of old. Each bears the signature of the artist-craftsman, 'Bando'."

It appears that Cellini must have been an 'immortal worker', with pieces known as late as 1965 bearing his signature, therefore, it is more likely that the name 'Bando' was used as a brand for Dunhill's high quality productions, produced by a handful of highly skilled craftsmen.

Reference: The Dunhill Petrol Lighter. A Unique Story. By Luciano Bottoni & Davide Blei. Published by Unique SRL 2005.

Bonhams. Distinguished Designs - The Work of Asprey, Dunhill and Garrard, 16 Jan 2008. New Bond Street