-French Art Deco 1929 Black lacquered Large Case In .950 Sterling And 18Kt Yellow Gold

French lacquered case with the crest of the Zorrilla Family.

Magnificent cigarette case holder, created in Paris France, back in the 1929. Crafted at the atelier of the goldsmith Paul Delahais in solid .950/.999 sterling silver with gilded interiors and polished finish. It is embellished with applications of black lacquer and decorated with the crest of the Zorrillas family, made up in solid yellow gold of 18 karats. This piece probably associated to the Uruguayan poet Juan Zorrilla De San Martin (1855-1931) or his entourage. This piece show no trace of use or wear.

Crest: The coat of arms of the Zorrilla family with a chevalier helmet to the left, garlands with inscribed motto and the Spanish royal crown beneath. Most probably a personal gift by the Spanish King Alfonso XIII (1886-1941).

Crest Motto: "VELAR SE DEBE LA VIDA DE TAL SUERTE QUE VIDA QUEDE EN LA MUERTE". 

Juan Zorrilla De San Martin

He was a Poet, speaker, journalist, historian, essayist, lawyer, legislator, diplomat, professor. The Zorrillas of San Martin were noblemen of the Soba Valley, in Santander. His heraldic shield of the lineage, sculpted in mountain stone, with the motto: "Velar se debe la vida de tal suerte que vida quede en la muerte" (To watch over one's life in such a way that it remains alive in death), was donated by the Spanish king Alfonso XIII to the poet in 1929.

Weight: 138.8 Grams, (88.97 Dwt).

Measurements: 12.65 mm by 86.87 mm by 11 mm (4.75 x 3.42 x 0.43 Inches).

Hallmarks: Stamped with French marks; the maker's mark PD inside a lozange cartouche associated to the Parisian goldsmith Paul Delahais and the mark of the helmeted Minerva inside an octagonal cartouche for the assay of the .950/.999 silver.

Provenance: The granddaughter of Juan Zorrilla De San Martin,

Collateral: It is accompanied by a presentation jewelry box.

Condition: The overall condition of this case is excellent. Beside the little normal wear, there is no damage to the gild silver or gold. All parts are secured in the settings. This piece has been carefully inspected to guarantee the condition and authenticity.

INVENTORY REF: D092623RNML/4.115