The Leather Cigarette Case of German Spy Josef Jakobs

N.B. 2024 09 14 – a Dutch reader has commented on this post and noted that the cigarette company is likely Zeka Wettig Gedep. not Zeka Wettig Geder. I have amended the blog post to reflect this new information.

A few years ago, while browsing through eBay, I stumbled upon a leather cigarette case that caught my eye. It was made by a Dutch company called Zeka Wettig Geder and, despite the $40 CAD price tag (shipping and handling included), I couldn’t resist buying it. Why? Because it reminded me of my grandfather, Josef Jakobs, who had an identical cigarette case in his possession when he parachuted into England in 1941 as a German spy.

Although it’s highly unlikely that this particular case belonged to my grandfather, it’s still an intriguing historical artifact that I’ve rarely seen for sale on eBay. The photos I’ve used in previous blog posts about the case were of poor quality, so buying it was also an opportunity to capture some high-quality images. Join me as I explore the fascinating connection between this leather cigarette case and the gripping tale of German spy Josef Jakobs.

Description of the Leather Cigarette Case

Made of a reddish-brown leather, the case shows signs of weathering, with cracks and water stains adding to its rugged charm. Measuring 11 cm tall by 8 cm wide and 2.5 to 3 cm deep, the sides of the case are protected by metal and stiffened to prevent the flap end of the case from collapsing.

To keep the case securely shut, the flap slides beneath a leather strap. Lifting the flap reveals the embossed lettering of the Dutch manufacturer, Zeka Wettig Gedep. Although some websites list the manufacturer as Zeka Wetti Geder or Zeka Wettig Gedep, this particular case makes it clear that the correct name is Zeka Wettig Gedep.

A reader of this blog noted that Zeka Wettig Gedep could be an abbreviation of Zeka Wettig Gedeponeerd. Zeka would then be the brand name (as it is in much larger letters). “Wettig gedeponeerd” would then translate as “legally deposited” which could mean a registered trademark or registered design. This would be similar to (R) or (TM) symbols today. The reader noted that “Wettig gedeponeerd” or “wettig gedeponeerd handelsmerk” (legally deposited trademark) were fairly commonly used terms in Dutch advertising during the 20th century.

In my search for more information about this intriguing artifact, I stumbled upon a Facebook post by an antique collector/dealer who also owns a Zeka Wettig Gedep cigarette case and quotes my blog about Josef’s cigarette case. It’s amazing how such a small, seemingly insignificant item can spark so much interest and connect people across time and space.

Josef Jakobs was known to be a prolific smoker. Upon his arrival in England, having broken his ankle while jumping from a German aircraft, Josef smoked numerous cigarettes. Even during his time at Camp 020, where he was incarcerated after his capture, Josef requested more cigarettes as the daily ration was insufficient to satisfy his habit.

Given his fondness for cigarettes, it’s likely that Josef carried the cigarette case to protect his smokes from damage. While it’s possible that he normally carried a silver cigarette case, he may have decided to leave it behind as it had sentimental or monetary value. Instead, he may have picked up the leather cigarette case during the last weeks of his espionage training in Holland, perhaps as a replacement for a metal case.

In the past, cigarette cases were a popular way to protect cigarette from damage. Made of various materials, they were once an essential accessory for smokers. However, as cigarette packaging became sturdier, the need for cases declined. Nowadays, cigarette cases have become a fashion statement, and we’re seeing a revival of their popularity.

A quick search on Etsy reveals a vast array of options, including vintage and new cases for both men and women. From sleek and modern designs to ornate and decorative cases, there’s something to suit every style. Some even feature a pocket for a lighter or matches, adding to their practicality. As smoking becomes less prevalent, it’s fascinating to see how cigarette cases have evolved from being a necessary accessory to a fashion statement.

The fate of the leather cigarette case that was once in the possession of German spy Josef Jakobs remains a mystery. It’s possible that the case was given to a Special Operations Executive (SOE) operative as part of their cover when they were dropped into occupied territory. Alternatively, it may have been forgotten in the archives of MI5 until after the war, when it was donated to a local museum or thrift shop. Regardless, Josef’s cigarette case has been lost to history, but we can still get a sense of what it looked like from similar cases that still exist.