Styptor and diamond minaudiere and lacquer compact, Van Cleef & Arpels, 1930s

The styptor Minaudiere of reeded design with a single-cut diamond clasp, the interior with removable powder compact and cigarette lighter to a black silk and suede carrying case, measuring approximately 150 x 120 x 20mm, signed La Minaudiere de Van Cleef & Arpels and numbered, the black lacquer compact decorated with flower head motifs, measuring approximately 185 x 60 x 10mm, signed Van Cleef & Arpels and numbered, French assay marks.

Cf: Sylvie Raulet, "Van Cleef & Arpels", Editions Du Regard, 1986, page 280 and 281, for an example of a "Minaudiere", by Van Cleef & Arpels from 1934.

Styptor Minaudiere, signed 'La Minaudiere De Van Cleef & Arpels', and numbered 44336 with abrassions and scratches commensurate with age and wear, mirror to interior now deficient and comb deficient, cigarette lighter not working stamped with maker's mark BL and numbered 48781, compact stamped METAL Styptor and numbered 44336, mirror discoloured, silk case heavily frayed and worn to edges. Lacquer compact with abrassions and scratches to exterior commensurate with age and wear, extensive losses to black lacquer on corners and near clasp, signed Van Cleef & Arpels and numbered 63244 to mirror frame and numbered 5636 to clasp.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Please note that colour, clarity and weight of gemstones are statements of opinion only and not statements of fact by Sotheby's. We do not guarantee, and are not responsible for any certificate from a gemological laboratory that may accompany the property. We do not guarantee that watches are in working order. 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 refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue, in particular to the Notice regarding the treatment and condition of gemstones and to the Notice regarding import of Burmese jadeite and rubies into the US.
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The concept for the “Minaudiere”, was originally devised by Charles Arpels in response to the wife of the American railroad magnate Frank Jay Gould, Florence Jay Gould, who would keep all her essential's such as cigarettes, lipstick, powder etc. in a Lucky Strike metal tin. After Charles had observed her he shortly afterwards presented her with the first “Minaudiere”, a cleverly designed vanity case designed to hold the entire essential’s for the fashionable lady of the 1930s. The name “Minaudiere”, was in homage to Estelle Arpels who according to her brothers had a habit of simpering “minauder”. The name was patented and registered by Van Cleef & Arpels, although other goldsmith’s soon adopted the concept and produced their own variations on the popular “Minaudiere”.