Name/Title
1918 - WW1 245th Battalion (Canadian Grenadier Guards) Elgin Silver presentation cigarette case from Lieutenant-Colonel Commanding Charles Colquhoun Ballantyne to Mr. Walter Richard ChenowethDescription
Part of the Lieutenant Michael A. Hayes-Rivet (MHR) Trust Collection
*** FOR ARCHIVE PURPOSES ONLY - ARTIFACT NOT PART OF MUSEUM COLLECTION ***
WW1 - 245th Battalion (Canadian Grenadier Guards) Elgin Silver presentation cigarette case from Lieutenant-Colonel Commanding Charles Colquhoun Ballantyne to Walter Richard Chenoweth (1881-1956). Engraved below the Canadian Grenadier badge "Walter R Chenoweth from Lt. Col. C.C. Ballantyne 245th Batt C.G.G. as a small token of appreciation for services rendered March, 1918"
ABOUT THE RECIPIENT - WALTER RICHARD CHENOWETH (1881-1949)
Born in Liverpool, England in 1881, Mr. Chenoweth migrated to Montreal in 1907 and became the Chief Accountant for the Bank of Montreal. During this time, he was associated with and provided assistance to The Regiment. He resigned from the Bank of Montreal in 1927 and became a highly respected and honoured Superintendent of The Royal Victoria Hospital - a position he held until 1940. His Brother Frank Chenoweth served in the CEF during WWI.Context
ABOUT THE SILVER CASE
245th Battalion Rare Sterling silver presentation cigarette case - Length: 5 1/2" / Width: 3 1/4" / Height: 1/4" - Weight: 4.475 oz / 139.3 grams - WWI era Canadian Grenadier Guards 245th Battalion CGG 1918 Sterling Silver Cigarette Case. Hallmarked: Elgin Am. Mfg. Co.
ABOUT THE SILVERSMITH COMPANY
Sterling Silver Elgin-American Manufacturing Company, Elgin, IL - a subsidiary of The Illinois Watchcase Company founded in 1889 by Eppenstein Brothers Company. Manufacturer of match boxes, vanity sets, photo and cigarette cases, belt buckles, and other novelties. Engine turned front with initials WRC in diamond cartouche Engine turned on inside; spring loaded holding bar has slight bend
*The Canadian Grenadier badge sits above the engraving, and depicts the Grenadier Guards cap badge and is known as the Grenade Fired Proper, featuring the Royal Cypher of King George V. The 245th (Canadian Grenadier Guards) Battalion, CEF was a unit in the Canadian Expeditionary Force during the First World War. Based in Montreal, Quebec, the unit began recruiting in the spring of 1916 in that city. After sailing to England in May 1917, the battalion was absorbed into the 23rd Reserve Battalion, CEF upon arrival. The 245th (Canadian Grenadier Guards) Battalion, CEF had one Officer Commanding: Lieut-Col. C. C. Ballantyne.Created By
Lieutenant Michael Hayes-Rivet, retired.Create Date
September 26, 2023Updated By
Lieutenant Michael Hayes-Rivet, retired.Update Date
June 5, 2025
