Silver Art Deco Cigar Box, Tiffany & Co., 1930

with etched foliate panels, bail handles and clasps, cedar-lined interior, engraved Presented to Ted. R Gamble in appreciation of his patriotic and distinguished leadership as National Director War Finance Division United States Treasury and with the enduring affection of his fellow workers. Waldorf-Astoria January 7, 1946.

a few minor dings, the wood lining with some light staining, otherwise good
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.
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.

This rare example of Art Deco Tiffany silver was presented by the New York film industry to theater magnate Ted Gamble for his work on the the bond drives of World War II, which raised over $186 billion.

Theodore Roosevelt “Ted” Gamble (1906-1960) started in 1919 as a night usher before building a chain of Northwestern movie theaters, later expanding across the country.  In 1942 he was appointed a consultant to the Treasury, pay two cents a week; the next year he was appointed as National Director of The United States Treasury, War Finance Division.  By the 1944 "Battle of the Bonds" he had gotten Hollywood behind the bond drive, pairing it with war films: "you can make it entertaining, you can make it convincing, you can make a sale."  Gamble was one of the biggest promoters of All Star Bond Rally (1945), hosted by Bob Hope with Bing Crosby, Betty Grable, Harpo Marx, and Carmen Miranda.

On January 7, 1946 Gamble was honored with a banquet by the film industry of New York in the grand ballroom of the Waldorf-Astoria.  More than a hundred film industry, banking, industrial, military, political and publishing leaders attended and presented this cigar box to Gamble.  A very similar cigar box had been been given to the quintessentially New York politician Al Smith (now in the New York Historical Society).

The Depression had restricted Tiffany & Co.'s work in the Art Deco style, but the finest of it was showcased in the House of Jewels Pavilion at the 1939 New York World's Fair.  The principal designer for that group and for the offered cigar box was Arthur Leroy Barney.  He had joined Tiffany & Co. in 1906 and became head designer by 1919, a position he held until his death in 1955.