-Alfred Dunhill 1928 Art Deco Pocket-Desk Tripled Fold Box In .925 Sterling Silver
Art deco box designed by Alfred Dunhill.
This is a very rare and fabulous convertible pocket and desk cigarettes box, made during the art deco period. This unusual triple folded piece was created by the luxury brand of Alfred Dunhill, back in the late 1928. The presentation box is fitted with a push pressure thumb-button and mechanical springs system, to convert in a three trays stand and be displayed in a table or a desk. The box was carefully crafted at the Louis Kuppenheim workshops in Germany in solid .925/.999 sterling silver with gilt finishes and is mainly decorated with geometrics checkerboard patterns, which are framed by classical motifs. The craftmanship of this box is exceptional, with minuses details.
Synthetic Sapphire: The push button is mounted in a bezel setting, with 1 oval cabochon cut (7 x 5 x 4.75 mm) of a synthetic vivid blue sapphire of about 2 carats.
Weight: 245.5 Grams, (157.18 Dwt) or (7.88 Troy Ounces).
Closed Measurements: 82.5 mm by 87.6 mm by 24 mm ( 3.25 x 3.45 x 0.95 Inches).
Open Measurements: 160 mm by 82.5 mm by 83 mm (6.30 x 3.25 x 3.27 Inches).
Hallmarks: Stamped with the maker's mark, the mark for the assay of the silver, the three digits model numbers and signed, "ALFRED DUNHILL STERLING K 959".
Alfred Dunhill
He inherited his father’s London saddlery in 1893. Following the increase in motor car ownership, Alfred developed the business to include motoring accessories, which he called ‘Dunhill’s Motorities’. This included goggles, timepieces, picnic sets, and leather coats, and it wasn’t long before the brand became associated with men’s general motoring attire. They opened two shops in Mayfair and had a catalogue of over 1300 items. Between the 1904 and 1905, Dunhill introduced their ‘Windshield Pipe’, to help drivers combat the effect of wind and travel on their ability to smoke. This marked both the end of the ‘motorities’ focus and their entry into the world of smoking ephemera, and they shortly opened their first tobacconist in 1907 on Duke Street. The proximity to several esteemed Private Members Clubs around the Mayfair, St James’ area ensured that the venture was a success. (From Nicholas Wells With Thanks).
Louis Kuppenheim
The company was grounded in 1854 by Louis Kuppenheim (1824-1889) and Heinrich Witzenmann, specialized in silver and gold and enameled artefacts. On the World Exhibition in 1900 the firm received a gold medal for a letter opener. In that same year the company opened a branch in the Rue Richelieu 67 in Paris. In these years some designs by Hans Christiansen were executed, amongst them very delicately enameled silver cigarette cases. The enamels on the several silver and gold pieces was of very high standard, and sometimes even gems like rubies were applied. Very famous were the ladies silver vanity cases with cute animals like cats and monkeys that are regularly sold on the better auctions and are very wanted.
Collateral: This box is accompanied by a presentation jewelry black velvet pouch.
Condition: The overall condition of this triple-box is exceptional. Beside the little normal wear, there is no damage to the silver. All parts are secured in the settings and in working condition. This piece has been carefully inspected to guarantee the condition and authenticity.
INVENTORY REF: D052124CNML/7.269
