Three Gold and Enamel Stickpins, René Lalique

The first stickpin designed as an openwork cartouche-shaped element featuring stylized lotus blossoms, decorated with mint green champlevé enamel contrasted with royal blue plique-à-jour enamel, signed Lalique; the second design featuring a female nude, arms raised with bat-like wings, decorated with olive green champlevé enamel, signed Lalique; the third designed as a shield-shaped element of stylized floral and thistle motif, decorated with teal and royal blue camplevé enamel, signed Lalique; all three circa 1900.

All in good condition with gentle surface wear and patination to the gold commensurate with age. The "bat woman" signed on the reverse of the finial, the other stickpins signed on the pins. Enamel remains intact.
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.

Richard A. Canfield (1855-1914) was a prominent American businessman and art collector. Known as the "Prince of Gamblers," he was one of the earliest to develop the modern day resort casino and the solitaire game Canfield is named in his honor.  After establishing a well-known gambling operation in Providence, RI, he moved to New York in the 1880’s opening Canfield's Clubhouse at 5 East 44th Street and the Saratoga Clubhouse in Saratoga Springs. His gambling resorts were frequented by members of wealthy families like the Whitneys, Vanderbilts and Morgans, as well as gambling legends Diamond Jim Brady and John Warne "Bet-a-Million" Gates. In 1907, when reformers succeeded in banning gambling, Canfield was forced to close his casinos. In his later years, Canfield owned a successful glass making business and continued to expand his art collection. He was a personal friend of James Abbott McNeill Whistler and possessed the second largest Whistler collection in the world prior to his death. The present stickpins were passed down to the current owner via their great grandmother, Canfield's wife.

To view a portrait of Richard A Canfield, please visit sothebys.com.