Original U.S. Pre WWII Era Engraved Sterling Silver Cigarette Case By Elgin America Presented To WWI DSC Recipient Captain Fred Adams by the Virginia Military Institute in 1927

Description

Original Item: One-Of-A-Kind. The Virginia Military Institute (VMI) is a public senior military college in Lexington, Virginia. It was founded in 1839 as America’s first state military college and is the oldest public senior military college in the United States. In keeping with its founding principles and unlike any other senior military college in the United States, VMI enrolls cadets only and awards bachelor’s degrees exclusively. The institute grants degrees in 14 disciplines in engineering, science, and the liberal arts.

In 1927 around 60 percent of the male population was smoking, accessories were a must have and would essentially become a status symbol, like cigarette cases. This 4” x 3” cigarette case is sterling silver and was constructed by the well known Elgin America Manufacturing Company, known for their watch cases.

The watch case is engraved with the following:

PRESENTED TOCAPTAIN FRED. W. ADAMSAS A TOKEN OF ESTEEM AND APPRECIATIONBY THE1927 RIFLE TEAMOF THEVIRGINIA MILITARY INSTITUTE G.L.HART JRJ. W. SMILEY B. E. ENDICOTTR. A. DUNN J. T. WALKERL. W. EDMONDS E. F. JAMESO. W. GFROERER H. S. MERCIERG. S. NUNN R. S. COCHRANW. C. FRENCH H. C. KERLINR. L. SMITH J. L. JOHENNING

Captain Fred Williams was actually a recipient of the Distinguished Service Cross for actions during WWI with the 1st Division, American Expeditionary Forces.

Citation:

“The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to First Lieutenant (Infantry) Frederick W. Adams, United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in action while serving with 16th Infantry Regiment, 1st Division, A.E.F., near Soissons, France, 22 July 1918. During the violent fighting of 22 July 1918, Lieutenant Adams distinguished himself by his courage, judgment and efficient leadership. After the strength of the regiment had been seriously reduced by losses, he took command of a large number of the remaining troops, disposed them in effective positions, walking up and down the lines under constant fire from the enemy, and by his example of coolness and bravery inspired his men to hold the positions they had gained.”

Aside from tarnishing, the case is in wonderful condition and still functions as intended without any extensive damage being present.

Comes ready for further research and display.