This remarkable cigar box, made of patinated bronze and dating from the late 19th century, is shaped like a reclining crocodile in a naturalistic style.

The animal's body is rendered with remarkable attention to detail: the finely chiseled scales, the powerful legs, the sinuous tail, and the slightly parted mouth realistically capture the reptile's anatomy.

The ingenuity of the object becomes apparent when you open it: the crocodile’s back lifts up thanks to a discreetly integrated hinge, revealing a gold-plated metal interior designed to hold cigars.

A small cylindrical compartment, located near the top, could hold matches or a smoking accessory, while a second compartment at the back rounded out this elegant design.