the magazine of the pullman gallery issue no. 41the magazine of the pullman gallery issue no....

The Magazine of the Pullman Gallery Issue No. 41

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14 King StreetSt. James’s

London SW1Y 6QU

Email: [email protected]: +44 (0)20 7930 9595

The World according to Pullman

Welcome to issue 41 of PULLMAN - a special double issue and at 68 pages, our largest edition to date. Recent months have witnessed some of our busiest times: the successful establishment of Pullman Studios, our vast new 6,000 square foot showroom near Chelsea Bridge, and exhibiting at Masterpiece in the summer – both accounting for the non-appearance of our usual September issue. The cover of our latest edition is graced by a shining example of the model-making skills of John Elwell – a unique sculptural representation of the classic Art Deco-influenced Chrysler Building. A splendid Sterling silver model of the Avro-Lancaster by Garrard to the special order of King Hussein of Jordan, is a reminder of the wartime heavy bomber’s legendary status. Blue skies also form the backdrop to the Concorde story, and the House of Cartier’s fine model rendering of a legend in passenger flight is a distinguished rarity. A powerfully expressive depiction of The Western Front by de Bruyne (aka Dexter Brown) evokes the thin blue line of the Royal Flying Corps of the Great War years. Alfa Romeo is particularly well-represented in this issue – a rare, Sterling silver 8c ‘Monza’ by Theo Fennell, a fine large scale Tipo 158/159 ‘Alfetta’ model by Bruno Colombi, and a superb and unique electric-powered prototype P2 tinplate toy made in 1935 by CIJ Paris, to name but three. Luxury makers of the first échelon – Hermès, Asprey, Dunhill, Louis Vuitton, Cartier and Theo Fennell included – and three of the most flamboyantly different 20th century artists – Bruno Zach, André-Vincent Becquerel and Maurice Guiraud-Rivière - are also found on these pages. A choice of exceptional Sterling Silver Rolls-Royce desk pieces capture beyond question the very essence of ‘The Best Car in the World’. But of course there is so much more to see - on our fully updated website, in the gallery at King Street and also at Pullman Studios. So please enjoy this latest issue, and we hope to see you very soon. Remember Pullman Studios may only be viewed by appointment, so please contact Rachel Kelly ([email protected]) for further details.

Until next time, Simon Khachadourian

Monday – Friday 10.00 – 18.00 By appointment only

www.pullmangallery.com 3

Chilling: a large and very stylish silver-plated ice bucket in the form of a snail, with a hinged lid lifting to reveal a removable liner. “Ice”, according to ‘Trader Vic’ Bergeron, “is the first requisite of good mixing”. Italian, circa 1955. Length: 16 inches (41 cms). Ref 4982

Boat couture: ‘Le Yacht’, highly inventive chrome drinks tray with eight shot glasses and a cocktail shaker affixed in gimballed supports so the tray may be carried vertically and drinks served (naturally) from the horizontal - of capital advantage aboard a yacht. Marked HERMÈS PARIS, circa 1955. Length: 21 inches (53 cms). Ref 4827

PULLMAN Issue No: 414

Mixed Company

Glass distinction: an eminently desirable cocktail set, comprising six glasses and shaker, with chrome cap and integral strainer, all decorated with a nautical motif. American, circa 1930s.

Height: 12 inches (30 cms). Ref 4899


Mixology: an exquisite Cartier bar set, comprising ice tongs, long-handled mixing spoon, ice pick, corkscrew, bottle-opener, ice-crusher and double-jigger (single and double measures). All signed Cartier and marked Sterling, complete with fitted Cartier case. French circa 1950.

Case: 14 inches (36 cms) square. Ref 1803


Cartier

The case of Cartier


Cartier

(Left to right) Cartier: an exquisite 9-carat gold cigarette case of generous proportion marked Cartier Paris and bearing English import marks for London, 1939. Complete with fitted Cartier case. French, 1939.

Length: 5½ inches (14 cms). Ref 3188

Cartier: a magnificent Sterling silver Art Deco cigar box with classic, heavily fluted Moderne detail to sides and thumb piece, complete with fitted Cartier case. French, circa 1930.

Length: 10 inches (25 cms). Ref 3640

Cartier: a unique fluted Sterling silver cigarette case and ‘Jumbo’ lighter en suite, of classic ribbed Art Deco design, both signed Cartier and complete with fitted case. French circa 1930s. Ref 1318


Cartier encore

(Clockwise from above) Cartier: an unusual Sterling silver cigarette or trinket box with heavy ‘bamboo’ design, hinged cover and silver-gilt interior. Signed Cartier, French circa 1950s. Height: 4 inches (10 cms). Ref 2167

Cartier: a superb Sterling silver cigar box with applied ‘buckle’, the interior bearing 1937 inscription. Signed Cartier, French circa 1937. Length: 9 inches (23 cms). Ref 4873

Cartier: a very unusual cigar box in Bakelite and chrome, incorporating an 8-day clock to the lid, signed Cartier, French circa 1935. Length: 8 inches (20 cms). Ref 4989

Chasing the Dragon: a large, intricately crafted, heavy-gauge Chinese Sterling silver box, with mythical fire-breathing Dragon applied to the lid in repoussée work. A stylised motif of rolling seas adds definition to the sides and rear of the box, the interior in Spanish cedar.



Size matters: an outstanding Sterling silver cigar box of significant proportions, the heavy-gauge body expertly re-lined with Spanish cedar and divided into two lift-out compartments, with covers and ebony handles. Total capacity 400-500 cigars.

Dimensions: 15 inches (38 cms) square. Ref 4943


The Court of the Tsar

We are delighted to present a group of no fewer than 12 superb examples of Imperial Russian trompe l’oeil cigar and cigarette boxes, all made in St. Petersburg between 1879 and 1917.

Such boxes were highly fashionable in pre-Bolshevik Russia, and silversmiths such as Nikolai Kulikov, Mikhail Isakov and the Grachev brothers, vied with each other to create ever-more intricate engraving, to simulate the taxation bands and cigar maker’s labels, such as H.UPMANN, the preferred brand of the Romanov Imperial Court.

Varying in size, some of the boxes bear engraved messages, monograms and dates. Some are so-called ‘parcel-gilt’ (gilded silver and natural silver combined), and all are correctly marked with Russian silver marks and makers initials.

Available individually or as a collection, please contact us for individual details or alternatively, view the items on our website at www.pullmangallery.com.

Ref 1469

Ref 3147

Ref 2082

Ref 2203

Ref 2201

Ref 2190


Ref 2200

Ref 3146

Ref 1277

Ref 1098

Ref 0628

Ref 1692


Matching: two stylish and very large crystal and Sterling silver match strikers, dated 1938 and 1929 respectively Ref 4999, 4968 and an excellent Sterling silver ‘Triple’ smoker’s companion, the three graduating boxes reserved for cigars, cigarettes and matches, with engraving, ‘Killbroney 1911, Goodwood Gold Cup’. Made by Goldsmiths & Silversmiths Company and hallmarked London, 1911. Length: 6½ inches (16 cms). Ref 4986

English class: extremely handsome Asprey portable smoker’s ‘Trio’, comprising three Sterling silver-mounted crocodile cases, to hold cigars, cigarettes/cigarillos and matches. Each marked Asprey. English, hallmarked 1898. Ref 4987


Holy Grail: arguably the rarest Aquarium table lighter made by Alfred Dunhill, the Perspex body encasing hand-painted scenes of RMS Queen Mary, full steam ahead, presented in a fitted Dunhill case and marked DUNHILL to the lift-arm. English, circa 1950s. Length: 4 inches (10 cms). Ref 4993

Sovereign of the Seas

Cary Grant arriving in New York aboard the Queen Mary, 1950.


Ref 4375

Time Honoured: three excellent examples of the ‘Weather Station’ desk compendium, made and sold by Hermès, and highly sought after today.

Comprising a clock, perpetual calendar, barometer, thermometer and compass, the ‘Weather Station’ is a substantial and heavy desk piece which revolves on its base. Of solid construction in bronze, nickel and silver-plate with leather, they exist in several sizes, as shown here. All French, circa 1935-1950.


Ref 4937

Ref 4720


Gifted idea: a fine, period Royal Air Force travel clock, contained within a Sterling silver and guilloché enamel case. Hallmarked Birmingham, 1933, with retailer’s name and address – Gieves of 21 Old Bond St, London, bespoke tailors and loyal outfitters to the Third Service. Complete with fitted case. Size: 2 inches (5 cms) square. Ref 4932

Objets de vertu

Boucheron: stylish silver, silver-gilt and gem-set vanity compendium of rectangular form characterised by reeded and chequered decoration, the cover with a pierced gilt panel portraying birds amongst gem set fruiting vines on an open-work trellis, the interior fitted with compartments for face powder, lipstick and a scent bottle. Stamped Boucheron - Paris and complete with a black suede outer case doubling as an evening bag. French, circa 1930s. Length: 5 inches (13 cms). Ref 4802


Supersonic Service: an important rarity in the form of a Concorde presentation model, the vermeil aircraft mounted on a rough-hewn block of rock crystal enclosed in a fitted Cartier presentation case. This is one of 100 examples presented to notable passengers on the two inaugural flights.

The Anglo-French Concorde, symbolic of the technological age and indisputable triumph of aviation engineering, powered up to 100 passengers across the skies at twice the speed of sound. Signed Cartier, French circa 1975.

Length: 4¼ inches (11 cms). Ref 4927

High Life


Winning streak


Theo Fennell: a beyond mint, Sterling silver scale model of the historic 1932 Alfa Romeo Tipo 8c ‘Monza’ by London silversmith Theo Fennell.

One of only 10 examples produced in 1987, this exquisite model is in perfect condition, complete with black marble plinth and fitted travelling case (not shown). Hallmarked London, 1987.



Bruno Colombi: unique, large-sized contemporary scale model of the Alfa Romeo 158/159, the body rendered in aluminium with brass accents, wooden treaded tyres fitted with aluminium spinners, authentic dashboard instrumentation, wooden steering wheel and fabric seats, mounted on a black lacquered plinth.

Length of model: 34 inches (87 cms). Ref 4998

One of the most successful competition cars of the immediate post-war era, the 158, and 159 derivative, dominated the first two seasons of emerging Formula One. Fagioli, Farina and Fangio, aces all, were among drivers of the first echelon who campaigned the Alfetta with conspicuous success.

(Right) ‘Jean-Pierre Wimille, Alfa Romeo 158’: Original oil painting by Roy Nockolds (English, 1911-1980), a fine rendering of the celebrated ace and former French Resistance member, cornering the all-conquering Italian competition car, circa 1952. Size: 16 x 9 inches (23 x 41 cms). Ref 4948


A Category of One

Alfa plus: a highly important and unique, prototype electric-powered Alfa Romeo P2 tinplate toy by CIJ (Compagnie Industrielle du Jouet) with hand-held control connected via the rear filler-cap to operate the headlights and facilitate forward and reverse, as illustrated in the lavish and definitive work on tinplate P2 toys by Fabrice Mestrot. French, circa 1935.


The P2 was produced between 1924 and 1939 in response to the competition success of Vittorio Jano’s design, one of the most successful Grand Prix racing cars ever. However, by the mid-1930s, CIJ’s legendary P2 was somewhat ‘old hat’, and the sales were flagging in the face of more up-to-date offerings from Italian makers such as Domo of Milan. CIJ therefore created this unique experimental prototype to evaluate the feasibility of production – which never took place.



Ref 4972

Ref 4977

Ref 4976

Ref 4975

Ref 4974

Playtime: an exceedingly rare, stylized tinplate toy racing car of fine quality by German maker Johann Distler. In cream livery, with fine lithographed detailing and driver in classic motoring attire, marked number ‘35’, and equipped with working headlamps, running boards, bumpers, Dunlop 935 x 135 tyres and side-mounted spare.

This sought-after de luxe example, in the largest size, is in outstanding original condition. The ancient firm of Johann Distler KG was founded at the end of the 19th century in Nuremberg, first selling ‘penny’ toys and later specialising in high-quality printed tinplate toys. Length: 20 inches (50 cms). German, circa 1925. Ref 4972

Fast Company: a rare, diesel-engined pylon racer in mint condition, equipped with heavy rubber tyres and sporting DB logo on the hubcaps. Original Plexi windscreen, painted steering wheel and cockpit detailing. Liveried in distinctive Deutsch Bonnet blue, numbered 2, and reported to achieve speeds of 90 miles (140 kilometres) per hour.

DB (formerly Deutsch Bonnet) maker of rakish lightweight

sporting cars, was founded in 1938 by Charles Deutsch and René Bonnet. French, mid-1950s. Length overall: 18 inches (46 cms). Ref 4977

On the wire: an all cast, heavy aluminium Ferrari 500F2 pylon racer by Vega, one of only 30 examples made.

In pylon racing, a wire connected the racer to a central rotating point and remarkable lap times were recorded. More power, more

noise and more speed led to the enormous popularity of the sport in post-war Britain. French, circa 1952. Length: 16 inches (41 cms). Ref 4976 Like clockwork: 1920s clockwork toy car by Meccano, France SA, finished in blue livery with cream, with rubber tyres, headlights, complete with accessories (frequently missing) to convert the coupé into a cabriolet. Few examples have managed to survive the decades. Length: 8 inches (20 cms). Ref 4975 Toy story: très rare tinplate toy car from Citröen, finished in red and black livery and fitted with winding mechanism and brake, opening pilote’s side-door, running boards, bumpers and

Toy Story


Ref 4883

Ref 4832

Ref 4124

rear-mounted spare, manufactured for les enfants (terrible?) of chosen customers of the marque between 1924 and 1939. Marked Automobiles Méchanique André Citröen to the underside.

André Citröen, who represented all that was original and daring in automobile design, famously remarked in 1927 that “The first words that a baby should learn to pronounce are Mama, Papa and Citröen”. French, circa 1930. Length: 12 inches (30 cms). Ref 4974

As regular readers of the preceding 40 issues of PULLMAN will be aware, the classic tinplate toy Alfa Romeo Tipo P2, made by CIJ of Paris in the 1920s and 1930s is something of a favourite of ours. We have sourced and supplied almost 100 examples over the years including some exceptionally-rare colours (did someone say ‘aubergine?’) and variants.

Our standards (and those of our customers) are high – we only buy and sell original, unmolested examples, and sometimes two or three years can pass without seeing an ‘acceptable’ one. In this issue, we are justifiably proud therefore to offer three beautiful and original examples of the legendary jouet – in rare metallic silver (second series), white (second series) and a deliciously original first series car in rosso corsa, dating from 1924. An unusual opportunity.

Toy Story 2


Model approach: a rare surviving J.M.L. clockwork tinplate motorcycle, liveried in blue and red, with colourfully-attired rider attached, with lithographed treaded tyres and correct engine detailing. In remarkable, original and unmarked condition (increasingly difficult to find). French, circa 1940s.


Italian style: a very large scale presentation model of the 1954 Nando dell’Orto Ferrari Hydroplane, finished in lacquered wood, with chrome detailing, decals and instrumentation, mounted on black lacquered display cradle.


Wealthy Italian engineer Nando dell’Orto acquired the hydroplane from Achille Castoldi, top-flight Italian speedboat ace, and significantly modified the original for nautical circuit racing. The hydroplane was powered by a Ferrari 4.5-litre, V-12 Grand Prix engine.


Making it plane: a true rarity in the form of a tinplate toy Dewoitine hydroplane by JEP (Jouet de Paris), founded in 1929 and an esteemed name in specialist toy-making. An excellent example, fitted with a powerful clockwork engine, complete with key. French, circa 1935.

Wingspan: 18 inches (46 cms). Ref 4971


The Age of the Airship

Flight time: an extremely rare, original zeppelin chronometer by

Lemania, Swiss, dated 1935. This unused, ‘new-old stock’ example

is in pristine condition with its original box. Diameter: 3½ inches (9 cms). Ref 4078


A very large and impressive silver-plated desk stand in the shape of the legendary Graf Zeppelin, with five ‘motors’ and moving propellers, the top compartment hinged to open and reveal two inkwells, with an underslung passenger ‘gondola’ sliding out to reveal a drawer for fountain pens, stamps and stationery. The body engraved Graf Zeppelin on both sides and the tail-fin bearing maker’s marks for Franz Reichenberg Berlin DRP, in superb and original condition. Passenger airship LZ127 GZ made aviation history in 1929 when the Maybach-powered dirigible embarked on a Round-the-World flight, sponsored by US press baron William Randolph Hearst. German, circa 1930s.

Length: 24 inches (61 cms). Ref 5015 Open detail


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Garrard, London: an important and unique Sterling silver Avro Lancaster 1:72 scale model, of unsurpassed provenance, especially commissioned and presented by King Hussein of Jordan to his trusted chauffeur, the applied silver inscription plate reading ‘To our dear friend Joe Paine, with our high esteem and sincerest wishes, Hussein I and Noor Al-Hussein, 30th December 1987’. Engraved roundels, moving propellers and detail to defensive armament add distinction to the model. Mounted on a square stone base, with accompanying documentation from Royal jeweller Garrard.

The four-engined heavy bomber, designed by Avro’s chief engineer Roy Chadwick, was the mainstay of Bomber Command following its entry into service in 1942, and is especially remembered for its role in the 1943 Dambusters raid. Hallmarked London, 1988, complete with original Garrard fitted display/travelling case. Ref 4984

Wingspan: 17 inches (43 cms).

Provenance: H.H King Hussein bin Talal and Queen Noor of Jordan to Joe Paine.


OlympianA magnificent and extremely rare bronze by Bruno Zach (1871-1939) depicting the American 5-man bobsleigh team at the 1928 St. Moritz Winter Olympics. Led to victory by the 16-year old Billy Fiske, this was the only occasion where a 5-man bob was used at Olympic level.

Fiske repeated his success with a gold medal at Lake Placid in 1932, and enlisted to the RAF in 1940, losing his life in the Battle of Britain. A plaque in St. Paul’s cathedral is dedicated to his memory.

This bronze is one of only four examples known, signed ZACH and dated 1928.


US bobsleigh team, Winter Olympics, St. Moritz, 1928.


‘Concrete jungle where dreams are made of...’*


The sky is the limit in the shape of this unique, massive sculptural rendering of New York’s iconic Chrysler Building by supreme exponent of the model-making art John Elwell (English, born 1949). Constructed in Elwell’s signature style of hand-formed aluminium panels and mounted on a plinth with aluminium edging and macassar ebony inlaid veneers, reprised at each level of the stepped structure, with gilded detailing and hand-crafted riveted ‘windows’ prominent, the eye rising to the ornamental apex, illuminated by low-voltage lighting to the ‘crown’.

Kansas-born Walter P. Chrysler was one of the world’s largest automakers and claimed in 1928, ‘I like to build things. I like to do things. I am having fun’. The following year saw the completion by architect William Van Arlen of the 77-floor skyscraper, expressive of wealth and power, and transforming the Gotham skyline.

At 319 m (1,047ft), the Chrysler Building was New York’s tallest tower until superseded a year later by the Empire State Building. The major architectural and decorative styling influence was Art Deco, epitome of life in the Machine Age. The building was clad in stone and featured huge stylised gargoyles in the form of Chrysler radiator mascots (recreated on the Elwell model, as pictured). This spectacular architectural model is undoubtedly John’s most ambitious project to date and represents around 1,000 hours of work. As with all his models, ‘Chrysler Building’ is a unique, one-of-a-kind, and at almost 8 feet in height, is a powerful homage to the Machine Age. Silver plaque to base signed JOHN ELWELL, numbered 1/1 and dated 2011. Height overall: 93 inches (236 cms). Ref 4926 *‘Empire State of Mind’. Jay-Z, 2010.


Horse Power


‘Ben Hur’: a magnificent, large Art Deco bronze sculpture capturing the drama of charioteers and horses at breakneck speed, retaining original patine to the bronze. Signed GIRAUD RIVIÈRE to the sôcle, circa 1926, and mounted on original green marble plinth. Toulouse-born Maurice Giraud-Rivière (1881-1938) has achieved a position of high regard as

a leading sculptor of the Art Deco movement, and created a number of memorable Modernist works. His rendering of the famous chariot contest ‘twixt Judah Ben Hur and Marsalen, his Roman adversary, was inspired by the original 1925 production of ‘Ben Hur’ by Cecil B. de Mille, the first epic movie and a seminal moment in Hollywood history. Ref 4983

Literature: ‘Art Deco and other Figures’ by Bryan Catley, published 1977.

Length: 34 inches (85 cms).

38

Tim Birkin’s Blower Bentley on the Members’ Banking, 1932’. Exceptional, original oil on canvas, by Roy Nockolds, signed and dated 1947, depicting the legendary Sir Henry ‘Tim’ Birkin in the supercharged, single-seater ‘Blower’ Bentley taking the lap-record on the Members’ or ‘Home’ banking at Brooklands in March 1932.

39

Birkin made his debut on the Weybridge track and, quoting the Manchester Guardian, “Of all his brilliant deeds, the lap record he set at Brooklands in March 1932 was undoubtedly the finest”. The racing baronet, only inches from the outer rim of the banking, achieved a remarkable average speed of 137.96 per hour. Birkin, who died the following year, aged 36, is remembered as one of the most daring and sporting of ‘racing motorists’ in the Brooklands pantheon. Dimensions: 25 x 39 inches (64 x 99 cms). Ref 4949


Fast forward: a fine representation of the model-making craft in the form of a Jaguar ‘C’ Type by Bruno Colombi, a meticulously detailed aluminium-bodied model, fitted with leather bonnet straps, spoked wheels and spinners, authentic dashboard instrumentation and leather upholstery.

Sir William Lyons, founding chairman of Jaguar, knew that scene-stealing styling and international racing success sold motor cars. The 3,442cc ‘C’ (for Competition) - Type owed its origins to the XK120 and placed first at Le Mans in 1951. Two years later at the Sarthe circuit, the works C-Types finished first, second and fourth, confounding the team efforts of Ferrari and Mercedes. A total of 52 C-Types were built. Unique piece, commissioned by Pullman Gallery in 2011. Ref 4997

Length: 40 inches (100 cms) overall.

Le Mans, 1951.


(Above) ‘Aston Martin DBR1, Tony Brooks, Nürburgring 1957’: large, original painting by Dexter Brown (English, born 1942), dated 2011. The DBR1 was the most successful of Aston Martin racing cars in the 20th century. “Aston Martin”, reported Autocar “is high on the list of the world’s most desirable grand touring cars”. Dimensions: 72 x 48 inches (183 x 122 cms). Ref 4935

Indubitable Dexter Brown

Ref 5017

Ref 5018


(Above) ‘Ferrari 250 Testa Rossa, Phil Hill Le Mans, 1958’: Original painting, acrylic on canvas, by Dexter Brown, dated 2011. Florida-born Phil Hill was the first American to win Le Mans (driving to victory through rain of Biblical proportions). “Ferrari demanded a lot” remarked engineer Gian Paulo Dallara. “He was a racer – he was just interested in winning”. Dimensions: 60 x 46 inches (153 x 117 cms). Ref 4922

(Above, from left to right): a group of four watercolours depicting dramatic scenes at Brooklands, including the immortal Napier-Railton, holder since 1935, of the all-time lap record at the circuit at 143.44 mph, and legendary Speed Six and 4½ litre ‘Blower’ Bentleys. Each signed de Bruyne mounted, framed and glazed.

Ref 5019 Ref 5020


Few automobile manufacturers enjoy such a reputation as Rolls-Royce, whose Spirit of Ecstasy mascot defines the very essence of the brand. “Everyone who buys the best things” wrote press magnate Lord Northcliffe, “buys only Rolls-Royce”. The Spirit of Ecstasy was a special commission from Rolls-Royce, finely rendered in 1911 by Royal Academician Charles Sykes (1875-1950). A decade and a half later, the company elected to surmount the mascot in scaled down form on a Sterling silver cigar ashtray sent as a Christmas gift to 100 selected individuals listed in the maker’s enviable address book. In the years following, until 1937 (1931 was the exception), Spirit of Ecstasy would provide the leitmotif for a unique series of Sterling silver desk pieces. All eleven individually hallmarked pieces comprising the Desk Set - a different piece for every year - were exclusive gifts, never sold. Illustrated is an impressive display of pieces from the set, prized by collectors and enthusiasts for their rarity, and revered for quality expressive of the makers of “The Best Car in the World”. Desk blotter: Sterling silver desk blotter affixed with Spirit of Ecstasy shaped handle that unscrews for fitment of blotting paper. Bearing monogram ‘A.P.G’. Length: 5½ inches (14 cms). Hallmarked London, 1932. Ref 4727

Bonbonniere: Sterling silver bonbon dish, the top supported by a Spirit of Ecstasy mascot standing on a circular stepped base. Height: 5 inches (13 cms). Bearing monogram ‘A.P.G’. Hallmarked London, 1930. Ref 4726 Inkwell: Sterling silver inkwell in the form of a free-standing Rolls-Royce radiator expansion tank, topped by a miniature Spirit of Ecstasy mascot and opening to reveal a glass liner. Height: 3½ inches (9 cms). Hallmarked London 1929. Ref 4950

Ref 4727

Ref 4726


Cigarette box: Sterling silver cigarette box with hinged lid, the top etched with a profile of the Spirit of Ecstasy, reprised in shadow profile, the boxwood interior fitted with adjustable compartments. Length: 7 inches (18 cms). Hallmarked London, 1928. Ref 4951 Table lighter: Sterling silver ‘Pillar Box’ table lighter on hexagonal stepped base, with novel spherical sprung cap, hinged to reveal a spirit cigar lighter, the whole surmounted by a Spirit of Ecstasy mascot. Height: 7 inches (18 cms). Hallmarked London, 1934. Ref 4728

Time and Again: a fine and rare silver Rolls-Royce desk clock ranking as a special commission from Breitling and styled as a classic Rolls Royce radiator, with kneeling ‘Spirit of Ecstasy’ mascot serving as winder. A timepiece with an eight-day Breitling movement, square face with gilt hands and hour-markers, complete with a dark blue, leather presentation case, circa 1950. Ref 4939

Ref 4951

Ref 4950

Ref 4939

Ref 4728


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817

Pour le Sport

The Dreyfus Trophy: a monumental, ornate Sterling silver trophy by Walker & Hall, the domed circular cover with raised centre, chased with fruiting laurel above an applied cut-card inscription and a band of lotus, with laurel wrapped rim and handles, the campana shaped bowl on four conforming reeded supports, concluding in laurel bosses and acanthus scrolls. The broad circular base is applied with cast silver figures representing the sporting life: cricket, tennis, football and ice hockey, the whole mounted on a circular silver base with decorative band, and set on ebonized turned wooden plinth. Hallmarked Sheffield, 1954. Ref 4957 Height: 24 inches (61 cms). From humble beginnings in their father’s garden shed in Basel, Switzerland in 1904 Camille and Henri Dreyfus developed cellulose acetate production into a worldwide industry.

It was the product’s initial application as lacquer or ‘dope’ for coating the fabric of early aeroplanes which saw Camille Dreyfus invited to England by the government in 1914 and thus laid the foundations for what was to become British Celanese Ltd, with its iconic Derby factory and later the Celanese Corporation of America and its massive plant in Cumberland, Maryland.



Case study

Ref 4941

Ref 4750

Ref 2166

Ref 2991

Ref 2901

Ref 2895

Ref 4928

A collection of superb crocodile cigar and cigarette cases by Cartier, Asprey and Fortnum and Mason. Please contact us for individual details or alternatively, view the items on our website at www.pullmangallery.com.


Grand Design

(Above) Louis Vuitton, Paris: a very stylish paperweight modelled as a ‘Monogramme’ courier trunk, modelled after the famous ‘Miss France’ trunk, a VIP gift, made for special clients of Vuitton, and not made for retail, much like the iconic ‘Malle Fleurs’ of the 1920s. These paperweights bear all the fine details of the life-size trunks; from the straps and handles, latches, nails and buckles, and ‘Miss France’ ID marks to each end, and travel label to the top, complete with its original Vuitton gift box. Of recent manufacture.

Length: 6 x 3 inches (15 x 8 cms). Ref 5000 (Right) ‘Porthole’: a substantial, special order 1970s Champagne cooler by Louis Vuitton, the barrel form covered in signature ‘Monogramme’ patterned canvas with tan leather strap detailing. The chrome-plated ‘porthole’ with glass window and lift-out liner and interior bearing leather Vuitton label. French, circa 1975. Height: 20 inches (51 cms). Ref 4944


Carried away: in remarkable, original condition and rare in the extreme, a ‘Malle Chaussures’ (shoe trunk) accommodating 30 pairs of shoes in individual boxes with ancillary drawers and

trays for boots and accessories, with all brass fittings and looped handles, circa 1920. Height: 45 inches (114 cms). Ref 4934


(Above) Louis Vuitton: another extreme rarity, this ‘Haute Courrier’ trunk in the rare Rayées (Stripe) pattern canvas, with all brass fittings, leather trim and brass handles. French, circa 1880s. Length: 100 cms (40 inches). Note: at 70 cms (28 inches) in height, this is the tallest model of courier trunk Vuitton made. Ref 4994

(Right) Case History: a superior example of the definitive and highly useable ‘Cube’ trunk covered in classic Vuitton ‘Monogramme’ fabric. Entirely original, retaining all-leather trim, with brass handles, corners and locks. French, circa 1925. Length: 24 inches (60 cms). Ref 4763


Ref 4397

Ref 4967

Two of the finest and rarest Vuitton pieces we have ever seen in these ‘Malles Haute Courrier’, finished in the ultimate specification, natural pigskin. At around five times the cost of the ‘Monogramme’ canvas, all-leather trunks were available by special order only. Their fragile nature has resulted in a very low survival rate, especially in superb, original condition such as these. Both examples, circa 1910.

Ref 4397 Dimensions: 44 x 28 x 24 inches (110 x 70 x 60 cms)Ref 4967 Dimensions: 40 x 28 x 24 inches (100 x 70 x 60 cms).


Ref 4912

Ref 4911Louis Vuitton’s ‘Damier’ (checkered) pattern canvas was in use for only a few years until being withdrawn in favour of the LV ‘Monogramme’ pattern in 1896. Dating from around 1890, these two ‘Malles Courrier’ are in impeccable condition, and include desirable ‘upgrades’ such as brass handles and multiple slatting, both costly options when new.

Ref 4912 Dimensions: 44 x 27 x 24 inches (110 x 69 x 60 cms)Ref 4911 Dimensions: 35 x 21 x 20 inches (90 x 53 x 50 cms).


(Opposite) A ‘new’, 1939 ‘Malle Armoire’!: a very special offering, this stunning trunk was manufactured in 1939 but not retailed until 1947. Intended for a customer in the United States but never shipped, this trunk remained wrapped, stored and unused until we acquired it this year. Apart from polishing the brass and feeding the leather, nothing else was required and this time-warp piece is offered in ‘as-new-in-1939’ condition. A unique opportunity. Height: 45 inches (114 cms). Ref 4880 (Right) Another remarkable piece, this rare, circa 1920 example of the ‘Malle Armoire Grande Modele’, has retained all its original fittings and is in an incredible original state of preservation. Height: 44 inches (112 cms), width: 22 inches (56 cms) and depth: 30 inches (76 cms). Ref 4681


Circa 1957 Eavestaff ‘Minipiano’ and the keyboard that made history, used by Monty Norman to compose the signature theme music for James Bond, arranged by John Barry. A former big-band singer, Monty Norman later composed scores for a series of West End musical hits. 007 producer ‘Cubby’ Broccoli, who admired Norman’s score for ‘Belle’, hired him to write the music for the first James Bond film, ‘Dr.No’. Born Monty Noserovitch, the musician’s biography was intriguingly titled ‘A Walking Stick Full of Bagels’. Serial Number 177650. A written statement signed by Monty Norman affirms the instrument’s provenance. Ref 5016

Width: 55 inches (140 cms).

No Mr. Bond - I expect you to play!


Wheel of Fortune: a rare, Art Deco ‘roulette de salon’ with rosewood stand and stained wood numerals. Height: 35 inches (89 cms), diameter: 27½ inches (70 cms). French circa 1930s. Ref 4970

Faites vos jeux, Mesdames, Messieurs...


Art Déco Magnificence


Bronze Age: Two Panthers, a powerfully expressive Art Deco patinated bronze and marble sculpture set on a bronze sôcle by André-Vincent Becquerel. Acknowledged as a sculptor of considerable natural ability, he was strongly influenced by Rembrandt Bugatti and was described in the 1930s as ‘Bugatti in all but name’. French, circa 1930. Ref 4946



Browning version


(Above) a truly rare double life-size model of the B.A.R or Browning automatic rifle, manufactured for the instruction of US Navy recruits in the weapon’s functions, disassembly and re-assembly, cleaning and maintenance methods. A fully restored and overhauled example, re-polished to original steel and aluminium, the ‘magazine’ contains several rounds of oversized green ‘dummy’ bullets, and the weapon rests on a tailor-made stand that converts into a travelling case. Bearing the plaque ‘Manufactured by J.H.Keeney & Co. Inc, 2600 W 50th Street, Chicago 32 IL, CAL 30m – 1918 – A2, Department of Navy Training Aid Rifle, Marine Corps’. American, circa 1935. Ref 5013


(Above) a rarely seen and unusual double-life-size training model of a BROWNING model M1919 A6 machine gun, a training model manufactured to instruct US trainee military in the working operation of the weapon, its moving parts, disassembly and re-assembly, cleaning and maintenance methods. Comprising identical moving parts to the original, the double- life-size training model is correct in every detail, completely restored and overhauled, and polished back to its original aluminium and steel finish. American, circa 1935. Ref 5014



Global

A finely rendered aluminium globe of large proportions, comprising a revolving aluminium cage, with applied continental landmass in brushed aluminium. The sphere mounted on a central support with hardwood base. American, late 20th century. Ref 5012

Height overall: 59 inches (50 cms), diameter: 36 inches (92 cms).


Jaeger Le Coultre: super-rare, ‘Globe’ timepiece, rotating and illuminating upon a octagonal slate base. French, circa 1930. Height:10 inches (25 cms). Ref 4868


The long view

All-seeing: a rare discovery in the form of a pair of historic wartime Nikko long-range binoculars of massive 40 x 140 specification, completely stripped and re-polished back to the original metal, with polished metal base of binnacle form and fully adjustable. Significantly, the only 40 x 140 pair we have ever seen, circa 1940s. Ref 4906

Height on stand: 60 inches (153 cms) (approx), length of binoculars: 47 inches (120 cms).


Telescopic: outstanding and massive polished steel and brass telescope by Unitron of D100 mm F1500 mm specification, mounted on a modern ebonized wooden tripod with brass detailing, featuring a series of dials for accurate adjustment, and spirit level affixed to gauge instrument level. Unitron, founded in North America in 1952, were renowned for supplying high-quality optical instruments of superior metal and wood construction, produced by Nikon Seiko, Japan. American, circa 1950s. Ref 4995

Length: 60 inches (153 cms), height on tripod: 100 inches (254 cms).


Paris-Madrid 1903

‘Gabriel sur Mors’ an important, historic Art Nouveau gilded bronze depicting Fernand Gabriel on the 60hp ‘Dauphin’ Mors, leading the ill-starred Paris-Madrid race, May 1903, and defined by an allegorical dust cloud to the rear.

This rare bronze was created in 1904 by the esteemed French sculptor Paul Moreau-Vauthier (1871-1936) in the aftermath of a dust-scarred race that claimed hundred of fatalities and injuries, and that was halted by French authorities at Bordeaux. Henceforth, motor sport was banned in France until 1906, resuming exclusively on closed circuits.

Moreau-Vauthier’s distinguished career terminated in a fatal road accident on the Paris-Bordeax route in 1936.


Provenance: James Barron Collection.

Gabriel sur Mors, Paris-Madrid race, May 1903.

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