-Dunhill Paris 1928 By Louis Kuppenheim Enameled Chinoiserie Box In 935 Sterling Silver
Enameled box by Louis Kuppenheim for Alfred Dunhill.
An extraordinary rare 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, designed with a cushioned shape and chinoiserie patterns at the Louis Kuppenheim silversmith workshop. Crafted in solid .935/.999 silver, with gilt interiors. Has an exceptional workmanship as you expect of the workshop of Louis Kuppenheim, with remarkable green enamels on both faces. Embellished with chiseled borders and chinoiserie decorations made up in yellow gold. As a note, this box can be actually used for presentation cards. Was retailed back in the 1930, at the Alfred Dunhill store at Rue de la Paix street in Paris France.
Weight: 146.20 Grams, (93.72 Dwt).
Measurements: 54 mm by 82 mm by 18 mm (2.13 x 3.23 x 0.71 Inches).
Hallmarks: Stamped with German marks, the maker's mark HB and LK Inside two oval cartouche associated to the workshop of Louis Kuppenheim for other retailers, the mark for the assay of the .935 silver, two times with the French importation mark of the Swan (Osprey-124), the inventory numbers and signed in full, "ALFRED DUNHILL PARIS STERLING.935 HB LK 230143".
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.
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).
Chinoiserie
The term chinoiserie is from the French word chinois, meaning “Chinese” and refers to European artistic style that reflects the influence of China and is characterized by the use of Chinese designs, asymmetry, whimsical changes in size, the use of lacquered materials and abundant decoration. . Chinoiserie entered Europe in about the last quarter of the 17th century and reached its peak in the mid-18th century, when it was assimilated by Rococo.
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 pristine in the settings. This piece has been carefully inspected to guarantee the condition and authenticity.
INVENTORY REF: D061223MCAE/4.381
