Lot 27
  • 27

Andrew A. Taylor, New Jersey

Estimate
400 - 600 GBP
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Description

  • Cigarette Box from Myron Selznick
  • stamped with maker's mark, Sterling standard and series 472
  • silver, gilt interior, wood lining and compartments
  • 25.5cm., 10in. wide
  • Made circa 1939-1944.
rectangular, lid engraved 'Vivien and Larry/ Love Myron'

Literature

Possibly, Notley Abbey Inventory, April 1948, p. 39, silver / dining room, 'A sterling plain oblong cigarette box with cushion lined cedar wood 10" by 3½ by 1½ (The Vivien Leigh Archive, Victoria & Albert Museum, London, THM/433/6/1);
Anthony Denney, 'The Oliviers off stage,' House and Garden, May 1958, p. 64, illustrated on a low table in Vivien's drawing room at Eaton Square, Belgravia.

Condition

minor surface scratches commensurate with use, good condition overall.
"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."

Catalogue Note

Myron Selznick (1898-1944) was Larry’s American agent and the brother of the renowned film producer David Selznick who had bought the rights to produce Gone with the Wind. Despite spending $50,000 in the quest for his Scarlett, David was desperate to find the new girl the public wanted to fit the heroine as described in the novel: striking green eyes, slanted brows, black hair, magnolia white skin and an arresting face. It was very late in December 1938, when filming had started, that Vivien appeared, introduced by Myron. As described by David ‘when [Myron] introduced me to her, the flames were lighting up her face and Myron said: ‘ I want you to meet Scarlett O’Hara.’ I took one look and I knew that she was right.’ (Vickers, op. cit., p. 112)
After a triumphant opening in Atlanta, Gone with the Wind opened in Hollywood on 27 December, after which Vivien and Larry spent New Year’s Eve at Myron’s mountain house.