Lot 448
  • 448

18 Karat Gold, Diamond and Lapis Lazuli Flower Clock, Cartier, Paris, Circa 1965

Estimate
100,000 - 150,000 USD
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Description

  • 18 karat gold, diamond, lapis lazuli, clock
The stylized flower set at the sides with lapis lazuli beads, studded with round and single-cut diamonds, the plain dial showing pavĂ©-set diamond hands, the stem supporting openwork gold leaves, the base set with panels of mosaic lapis lazuli, height of clock approximately 11 inches, signed Cartier, Paris, Londres, New York, maker's marks, French assay marks.  With fitted and signed box, together with a base metal key.

Provenance

Sotheby's Los Angeles, October 20, 1981, lot 346.

Condition

Key wound movement, currently running. Key included. The dial is soiled and some minor scratching to the gold, but in good condition overall. Diamonds are approximately I-J color and VS-SI clarity. Signed Cartier on movement, near key wind mechanism, with French assay marks and maker's mark for Cartier in several places; including on the petal at back of clock which swings outward, inside the left lapis studded door, on the rim of the base, on the base of the right (facing) leaf and in two places at the base of the bulb of the flower (partially obscured by applied leaves). Please see Notice Regarding Condition of Watches on page 320 of the catalogue. Please note the clock dates to circa 1965, not circa 1950 as stated in the catalogue.
In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective qualified opinion. Illustrations in the catalogue may not be actual size. Prospective purchasers are reminded that, unless the catalogue description specifically states that a stone is natural, we have assumed that some form of treatment may have been used and that such treatment may not be permanent. Our presale estimates reflect this assumption.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.

Catalogue Note

Jacqueline Cochran (1906-1980) overcame impoverished beginnings to become a world class aviatrix.  She obtained her pilot's license in 1932.  In 1939, she set a new altitude and international speed record and was recognized as the outstanding woman flier in the world and awarded the Clifford Burke Harmon Trophy.  She would win that recognition 15 times.  Supporting the "Wings for Britain" effort to deliver American aircraft to Britain prior to the entrance of the US into World War II, she was the first woman to fly a bomber across the Atlantic.  Following America's entry into the War, Cochran headed the Women's Airforce Service Pilots (WASP) and supervised the training of more than 1000 women pilots.  She received the Distinguished Service Medal for her efforts.  Awarded by the French government the Legion of Honor in 1949 and the French Air Medal in 1951, she also received the Distinguished Flying Cross and the Legion of Merit from the United States Air Force.  She became the first woman to break the sound barrier and in 1953 she broke the world speed record for both men and women in a jet aircraft.  She was the first woman to land and take off from an air carrier and in 1961 she became the first woman to fly at twice the speed of sound.  Cochran was inducted into the National Aviation Hall of Fame in 1971 and became the first woman to be honored at the United States Air Force Academy with a permanent display of her achievements.

In addition to her distinguished career in aviation, Cochran was married to Floyd Odlum, founder of Atlas Corp. and CEO of RKO in Hollywood, and founded her own cosmetics business.  She was voted in 1951 one of the 25 outstanding businesswomen in America, and in 1953 and 1954, the Associated Press named her "Woman of the Year in Business."