Antique Queen Cigarette Tin – Nestor Gianaclis Cairo, Egypt – Orientalist Design

A fascinating piece of historical advertising memorabilia, this antique Queen lithographed cigarette tin reflects the rich visual tradition of Egyptian commercial packaging from the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries.

Originally produced for Nestor Gianaclis, a prominent cigarette manufacturer established in Cairo, Egypt, this rectangular metal tin features a beautifully detailed Orientalist illustration and distinctive period lettering.

Its warm golden-yellow background, deep green foliage and touches of red and brown create an attractive decorative composition, enhanced by an authentic aged patina.

An Elaborate Orientalist Lithographed Design

The lid displays a striking illustration inspired by the imagery of Egypt and the Middle East.

A richly dressed horseman appears on a white horse, gesturing towards the distance, while a woman carrying a tray stands nearby.

Behind them rises a decorated tent, with a distant Egyptian cityscape framed by tall palm trees and luxuriant foliage.

At the centre of the illustration, an ornate advertising panel features the name Nestor Gianaclis, surrounded by decorative borders and historical inscriptions.

The lettering “Nestor Gianaclis au Caire”, “Cigarettes Queen” and “Égypte” is incorporated into the design.

The richly coloured lithography and carefully arranged ornamental details reflect the artistic sophistication of historic commercial advertising.

Historical Advertising Details

The central panel includes several interesting period inscriptions:

“Grand Dépôt de Tabacs Turcs” – Turkish tobacco depot

“Fabrique de Cigarettes” – Cigarette manufacturer

“Nestor Gianaclis”

“Fournisseur de S.A. le Khédive” – Supplier to His Highness the Khedive

“Le Caire – Rue Kamel” – Cairo, Kamel Street

The label also refers to international exhibitions, including Chicago in 1893 and Antwerp in 1894.

Decorative golden side panels feature the Queen name and elegant ornamental motifs.

Another side bears the original capacity marking of 50 cigarettes, together with a historical reference to gold-tipped mouthpieces.

These details offer a fascinating glimpse into the packaging, marketing and commercial culture of the period.

Nestor Gianaclis and the History of Egyptian Cigarettes

Nestor Gianaclis was an important figure in the Egyptian cigarette industry during the late nineteenth century.

Based in Cairo, his company gained international recognition for its cigarette production and exports.

The firm participated in major international exhibitions, including the World's Columbian Exposition in Chicago in 1893.

Its distinctive advertising tins frequently featured Orientalist imagery, ornate lettering and references to prestigious commercial awards.

Today, surviving examples are appreciated for their historical significance and the decorative qualities of their original lithographed artwork.

Authentic Antique Condition

This original metal tin displays visible signs of age and previous use, including surface scratches, rubbing, losses to the printed decoration, small areas of oxidation and general wear along the edges.

Despite these age-related imperfections, the main illustration remains recognisable and retains much of its attractive colouring.

The condition is clearly illustrated in the photographs and contributes to the authentic character of this historical object.

A lovely addition to a collection of antique cigarette tins, vintage Egyptian advertising memorabilia or historical lithographed metal boxes.

It would also make an interesting decorative display piece among antique books, Orientalist prints and other historic curiosities.

A distinctive antique collectible combining Egyptian commercial history, elaborate lithographed illustration and the charm of vintage advertising design.

Please note: this is an empty collectible tin. No cigarettes or tobacco are included.