Objects of vertu: Tiffany & Co. sterling silver cigar box
Partial and edited quotation from Sotheby's:
www.sothebys.com/en/departments/objects-of-vertu.html
"Known in the antique art trade as objets de vertu (in UK and Europe), or objects of vertu in the U.S., these are small objects created from precious materials either to be admired as works of art or, more often, conceived for a practical purpose. With new worldwide interest, this area of collecting has recently seen a strong revival. In other words, expensive toys and "alternative investments" for the super rich."
Part of the Roy J. Zuckerberg Hall of American Silver at the New York Historical Society.
Tiffany & Co., New York City, 1929
Alfred E Smith the beloved four-term New York Governor and 1928 Democratic Party presidential candidate received this cigar box following his unsuccessful bid for the White House. Smith was a renowned cigar aficionado who reputedly smoked at least 12 per day. The box's elaborate Moorish-style ornament recalls motifs found in Alhambra in Granada, Spain. Etched and engraved by hand, the box used nearly 12 pounds of silver and took at least four Tiffany artisans more than 104 hours to complete.
Objects of vertu: Tiffany & Co. sterling silver cigar box
Partial and edited quotation from Sotheby's:
www.sothebys.com/en/departments/objects-of-vertu.html
"Known in the antique art trade as objets de vertu (in UK and Europe), or objects of vertu in the U.S., these are small objects created from precious materials either to be admired as works of art or, more often, conceived for a practical purpose. With new worldwide interest, this area of collecting has recently seen a strong revival. In other words, expensive toys and "alternative investments" for the super rich."
Part of the Roy J. Zuckerberg Hall of American Silver at the New York Historical Society.
Tiffany & Co., New York City, 1929
Alfred E Smith the beloved four-term New York Governor and 1928 Democratic Party presidential candidate received this cigar box following his unsuccessful bid for the White House. Smith was a renowned cigar aficionado who reputedly smoked at least 12 per day. The box's elaborate Moorish-style ornament recalls motifs found in Alhambra in Granada, Spain. Etched and engraved by hand, the box used nearly 12 pounds of silver and took at least four Tiffany artisans more than 104 hours to complete.