- 109
A gold and enamel snuff box for the Chinese market, Rémond, Lamy & Co, Geneva, 1801-1804
Estimate
20,000 - 30,000 GBP
Log in to view results
bidding is closed
Description
- A gold and enamel snuff box for the Chinese market, Rémond, Lamy & Co, Geneva, 1801-1804
- gold, enamel
- 9cm., 3 1/2 in. wide
in the form of a butterfly, the lid colourfully enamelled, the sides and base enamelled in blue within taille d'epargne borders, the dividing panels decorated with water fowl and reeds, the lid interior with later inscription, incuse maker's mark on lid and base
Provenance
The inscription reads: 'Kindly return to Bertha D. Baur / 1511 Astor St. Chicago'.
Handsome Bertha Duppler (1872-1967) was a typist when she met and married Jacob Baur. Jacob had moved to Chicago in 1888 and set up a business producing carbonic gas for soft drinks which became so successful that Jacob was called the inventor of the soda fountain. After his death in 1912, Bertha inherited 55% of the company and remained as vice-president until 1926 when she sold her interest for $3 million. She then entered politics, serving as the special hostess of the 1944 and 1952 Republican National Conventions and was the first woman admitted to the prestigious Hamilton Club of Chicago. Bertha died on 10 July 1967 and propeerty from her estate was sold at Leslie Hindman Auctioneers in Chicago in May 2007.
An interesting article dated 22 December 1929 from the Abilene Reporter- News, Texas, reports Betha’s passion for butterflies. The Chicago saying at the time was indeed ‘ find a butterfly and you will find Mrs Baur’. Butterflies were everywhere: above the door of her house, 1511 Astor Street; engraved on silver instead of monograms; on paintings, etchings and all kinds of artworks. Mrs Baur explained her passion to the journal: ‘ A butterfly is the symbol of immortality. My mother loved them, I love them, my daughter loves them ... people are like caterpillars, crawling on earth but after death live on forever … Immortality is the real meaning of the butterfly, the highest and the finest meaning’.
Handsome Bertha Duppler (1872-1967) was a typist when she met and married Jacob Baur. Jacob had moved to Chicago in 1888 and set up a business producing carbonic gas for soft drinks which became so successful that Jacob was called the inventor of the soda fountain. After his death in 1912, Bertha inherited 55% of the company and remained as vice-president until 1926 when she sold her interest for $3 million. She then entered politics, serving as the special hostess of the 1944 and 1952 Republican National Conventions and was the first woman admitted to the prestigious Hamilton Club of Chicago. Bertha died on 10 July 1967 and propeerty from her estate was sold at Leslie Hindman Auctioneers in Chicago in May 2007.
An interesting article dated 22 December 1929 from the Abilene Reporter- News, Texas, reports Betha’s passion for butterflies. The Chicago saying at the time was indeed ‘ find a butterfly and you will find Mrs Baur’. Butterflies were everywhere: above the door of her house, 1511 Astor Street; engraved on silver instead of monograms; on paintings, etchings and all kinds of artworks. Mrs Baur explained her passion to the journal: ‘ A butterfly is the symbol of immortality. My mother loved them, I love them, my daughter loves them ... people are like caterpillars, crawling on earth but after death live on forever … Immortality is the real meaning of the butterfly, the highest and the finest meaning’.
Condition
some restoration to enamel panel which have been lacquered throughout.
"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. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE 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. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."