Dunhill London 1928 By Louis Kuppenheim Peacock Enameled Box In 935 Sterling Silver
Enameled box by Louis Kuppenheim for Alfred Dunhill.
An extraordinary box, created in the city of Pforzheim Germany during the art deco period, back in the late 1920's. This superb elegant case box is closely to mint condition, is very rare and was carefully crafted at the Louis Kuppenheim workshop in solid .935/.999 silver, with gilt interiors. Exceptional workmanship as you expect of the workshop of Louis Kuppenheim, with remarkable enameled patterns of peacocks feathers on both faces. Embellished around with white enamel frames and the borders with incised and carved panels with flowers. The side parts with black enamel.
As note, this box actually can be used for presentation cards
Engraved: Gussie Gerstenzang
Weight: 139.20 Grams, (89.23 Dwt).
Measurements: 83 mm by 62 mm by 14 mm (3.25 x 2.44 x 0.55 Inches).
Hallmarks: Each part is stamped with British crown import marks for the city of London, the importation gothic letter N for 1928, the German export silver assay mark .935, the five digits serial numbers, the sponsor mark GS, an asymmetric cartouche with ASC .935 and signed, "DUNHILL LONDON FOREIGN STERLING .925 06753".
Louis Kuppenheim Company
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.
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).
Provenance: Mrs. Gussie Gerstenzang, by descent to daughter, A private collection in New York City, Acquired in 2022.
Condition: The overall condition of this box is impeccable. Beside the little normal wear, there is no damage to the silver. The enameled parts are secured in the settings. This piece has been carefully inspected to guarantee the condition and authenticity.
INVENTORY REF: D010823OENH/4.171
