Austria, Imperial. A First War Signed Silver Cigarette Case, 6. Infanterie-Truppendivision, Kommando Feld 2, in Case

A silver cigarette case, weighing 106.9 grams, the exterior engraved “6. J.T.D. KMDO. FELDZUG 1914/15” denoting the 6th Infantry Division, Headquarters, Campaign of 1914-1915, and is covered in signatures on both sides. Released with a push clasp, the interior has two elasticized bands, and is marked SCHUCHS NFG. WIEN, measure 80.5mm (w) 84.5 mm (h), functional hinge and clasp, a historically interesting piece in extremely fine condition. 

Contained in the original fitted case, a blue exterior with interior marked KuK HOFUKAMMER-LIEFERANT L.SCHUCH NACHF WIEN G. EDLAUER. With a fitted velvet bed for the cigarette case, measures 115 mm (w) x 122 mm (l) x 27 mm (d), scuffing around the exterior edges and corners, functional hinge and clasp, near very fine. 

Footnote: The 6th Infantry Division was a permanent peace-time unit of the Austro-Hungarian Army, originally home-garrisoned around Graz (part of the III Army Corps).Upon mobilization in August 1914, the division was deployed to the Eastern Front to fight against the Russian Empire in Galicia (modern-day western Ukraine and southeastern Poland). During the devastating Feldzug 1914/15, the division was involved in brutal, high-casualty operations including the Battle of Kraśnik, the defense of the San River line, and the subsequent winter battles in the Carpathian Mountains.