This is a very good example of a non-Faberge item that has been altered. Real hallmarks were almost always applied when the work was still unfinished, and in fact, were often partially obliterated during the final polishing. When a counterfeiter adds phony hallmarks like these, there is a danger of punching too hard, and thus damaging the piece. Notice how both the front (lower right) and back (lower middle) of this cigarette case show the effects of punches that come almost all the way through the metal.

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