A mid-20^th century Thai silver and niello cigarette cannister or box, Bangkok circa 1960 by Thai Nakon

Of cylindrical form with a pull off domed lid, the shaped base with an openwork section upon a cylindrical base. The sides with niello decoration of the Royal Barge Suphannahong, and the Grand Palace Phra Borom Maha Ratcha Wang, also with a shield shape cartouche engraved with a presentation inscription reading “To Capt S. Murray with best compliements from Comprador end Staff S. S. “Benveg”.”. The lid with niello decoration of Kubera, holding a bowl the god of wealth. Marked underneath THAINAKON, SIAM, STERLING.

Height – 12.3 cm / 4.8 inches

Weight – 329 grams / 10.58 ozt

Benveg 1951-1962 coastal cargo liner 224 feet long, 697 tonnes, of Ben Line, Leith, served on Ben Line's coastal service between Singapore and Bangkok.