Lot 528
  • 528

A GOLD AND ENAMEL CIGARETTE CASE, PARIS, CIRCA 1930, RETAILED BY ARNOLD OSTERTAG | A gold and enamel cigarette case, Paris, circa 1930, retailed by Arnold Ostertag

Estimate
2,000 - 3,000 GBP
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Description

  • 7.9cm., 3 1/8 in. wide
rectangular with stylised Greek pattern, the sides decorated with a zig-zag pattern in black enamel, maker's mark A[?] in a horizontal lozenge, French post-1919 control mark, retailer’s name engraved on rim

Condition

Overall good condition; restoration to black enamel along the front left and front right corner, light surface wear, a few of the reeded parts would benefit from light cleaning
"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

Born in Lucerne in 1883, Melchior Siegfried Arnold Ostertag (1883-1940) had initially trained as a dentist, but rapidly became one of the most esteemed jewellers of the nineteen twenties, such as Cartier, Van Cleef & Arpels, Maison Janesich and Boucheron, after having developed an interest for pearls and jewels on his travels through India. In 1923, he registered his mark having opened his shop at the prestigious address of 16 place Vendôme in Paris in the preceding year. Specialising both in jewellery and more practical objects, most notably vanity cases, powder compacts and cigarette cases, which in his hands became works of art, Ostertag moved effortlessly in high society and spent his summers between Deauville, the South of France and Biarritz. His reputation for creating magnificent objects and jewels, among them a diamond necklace, worn by the iconic opera singer and actress Grace Moore (1898 – 1947) in 1937 during a concert at Carnegie Hall, soon extended beyond Europe as he also spent much time in New York and Chicago.