Robert E. Maytag (Industrialist Palm Beach Appliance Family) Monogrammed Sterling Silver & Gold Inlaid Cigarette Case Engine-Turned Guilloché | “One Great Guy” Inscription | 129 Grams

An exceptional vintage sterling silver cigarette case featuring elegant gold inlay bands and precision machine-turned guilloché decoration, engraved with the monogram R.E.M. for Robert E. Maytag.

This striking mid-20th century gentleman’s accessory reflects the refined personal luxury items favored by American industrial families and Palm Beach winter society during the golden age of travel and sport.

The front panel displays beautifully executed engine-turned guilloché striping, accented by parallel bands of yellow and rose gold inlay, with a central cartouche engraved R.E.M.

The reverse panel features a contrasting hand-brushed sterling finish, engraved with the affectionate inscription:

“One Great Guy”

Opening the case reveals a finely finished machine-turned interior with the original retaining clip intact, designed to secure cigarettes or calling cards. The interior retains the original maker’s marking:

“Sterling 14K Gold Inlay.”

HISTORICAL PROVENANCE

Robert E. Maytag Monogrammed Sterling & Gold Inlaid Cigarette Case

This document accompanies a vintage sterling silver cigarette case decorated with engine-turned guilloché engraving and accented with gold inlaid bands. The case bears the monogram “R.E.M.” on the front cartouche and the inscription “One Great Guy” engraved on the reverse.

The monogram corresponds to Robert E. Maytag, a member of the Maytag industrial family whose company became one of the most recognized American appliance manufacturers of the twentieth century.

During the mid-twentieth century, Robert E. Maytag was a winter resident of Palm Beach, Florida, maintaining a residence at 151 El Vedado Road in the Estate Section of the island, an area historically associated with prominent American industrial families and seasonal society figures.

Maytag was active in the sport-fishing culture that flourished along the Gulf Stream during this period and owned the celebrated Rybovich sport-fishing yacht Bimini Babe. Built by the legendary Rybovich Boat Works of West Palm Beach, vessels from this yard were among the most respected custom sport-fishing boats of the era and were favored by Palm Beach sportsmen and industrialists.

Contemporary accounts describe Robert Maytag as a generous and widely admired personality within Palm Beach and Bahamian fishing circles. The engraved dedication “One Great Guy” reflects the type of personal tribute commonly exchanged among friends, club members, and fishing companions during this period.

The object itself is crafted in sterling silver with gold inlaid banding, featuring a machine-turned guilloché front panel, brushed sterling reverse, and original interior retaining clip intact. Such finely made cigarette cases were standard gentleman’s accessories among affluent Americans during the mid-twentieth century and were frequently presented as personal gifts.

Based on the monogram, stylistic characteristics, and historical context, this piece is presented as a personal accessory associated with Robert E. Maytag and the Palm Beach sport-fishing community of the mid-twentieth century.