Beautiful example of a novelty cigarette dispenser dating from the early 20 Century, modelled in the Arts and Crafts taste. It is constructed on tinplate panels, the edges with decorative hammered copper plates laid over, the sides each with a raised circular motif and the front inset with a gorgeous Ruskin pottery cabochon jewel. On top of the box is a finely modelled heron or stork, which is connected to the mechanism inside the box. When the lever is pulled downwards the heron bends over, the top of the box opens, he grasps the cigarette in his beak and stands up holding it.