The Magazine of the Pullman Gallery Issue No. 40 · The Magazine of the Pullman Gallery Issue No. 40 ... maxim has it, and since our title ... La Gloria Cubana is one of Cuba’s

The Magazine of the Pullman Gallery Issue No. 40

‘Normandie’, the iconic French ocean liner of the late 1930s epitomising Art Deco, arriving in New York in this exquisite original 1937 poster. Size: 40 x 25 inches (100 x 70 cms). Ref 4225

14 King StreetSt. James’s

London SW1Y 6QU

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

The World according to PullmanWelcome to the 40th edition of PULLMAN magazine. “The text explains, the image proves” as the maxim has it, and since our title was launched, originally in newsletter form and now published in magazine format to meet the requirements of our 10,000-strong readership, we have sought to present through its pages the finest objets de luxe, prized for their provenance, supreme quality and genuine rarity.

Importantly, in this issue, we are pleased to announce the completion of Pullman Studios, our vast new gallery space, situated close to London’s Chelsea Bridge. At almost 6,000 square feet (600m2) set over four floors, Pullman Studios offers our clientele a discreet, personalized viewing approach to serious collecting, and a unique opportunity to view our complete inventory. Visits to the Studios are strictly by appointment – please contact Rachel Kelly for further details at [email protected] - and of course King Street recently refurbished and enlarged, remains open as normal.

Elsewhere in these pages, the very best pieces from Cartier, Puiforcat, Tiffany, Asprey, Dunhill, Mappin & Webb and contemporary designer Theo Fennell are well represented, while an immaculate Sac à Dépêche by Hermès, all too rare and desirable, is deserving of mention. Equally covetable are an exceptional Sac à Mallette, a smart sporting gun case and a finely preserved jewel box from the same prestigious maker.

In a category of one is the hand-crafted rendering of Baby Bootlegger, the fabled, and fastest, speedboat from a Golden Age of motorboat racing in the 1920s, by John Elwell, supreme exponent of the model-making art. The powerfully suggestive Art Deco bronze, Penthesilia, Queen of the Amazons, by Marcel Bouraine, epitomises haute Art Deco style.

Reverting to the 40th anniversary of PULLMAN magazine, we particularly wish to thank all our dedicated readers who have offered constructive comments and over the years expressed appreciation of the innovative design and revealing editorial content found in its pages. Long may it continue.

Until next time,

Simon Khachadourian

www.pullmangallery.com 3

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

Pullman Variety

Theo Fennel: an amusing Sterling silver cruet set in the form of Hunter boots (salt and pepper) and a flower pot (mustard) with silver-gilt trowel, complete with fitted case. Hallmarked Theo Fennell, London 2000. Ref 4801

French flair: a rare pair of stylish silver-plated individual Art Deco ice buckets by Luc Lanel for the luxury transatlantic liner Normandie Ref 4871; with a pair of the larger Champagne buckets, en suite. French, circa 1935. Ref 4793

(Below) Fore play: a set of six large silver-plated cocktail swizzle sticks by Hermès in the shape of golf clubs, enclosed in a brown leather ‘Golf Bag’, with simulated stitching and strap, and separate pouch for balls and tees, the ‘Bag’ signed HERMÈS PARIS. Clubs, 8 inches (20 cms). French circa 1950s. Ref 4874

PULLMAN Issue No: 404

Size matters: two massive cut crystal Art Deco inkwells, one of square section with decorative diamond cutting to base, French, circa 1920, 8 inches (20 cms) tall, 6 inches (15 cms) square Ref 1737; the other, a silver-mounted inkwell of sizeable proportions, with Ducal associations. Height: 6 inches (16 cms), diameter 7 inches (19 cms). Hallmarked, Thomas Johnson, London, 1882. Ref 2808

Marking Time: two classic Art Deco timepieces by Mappin and Webb, Paris, circa 1925, in slate and silvered bronze (left, Ref 3404) and onyx (right, Ref 4877). Both nine inches (23 cms) long.


Cool Conscious

Chilling: a pair of superior Art Déco Sterling silver wine coolers in the style of Maison Cardeilhac, the four-sided coolers with distinctive stepped foot and ivory handles. Marked ‘925’ Sterling. The term Art Déco owes its origins to the Paris Exposition Internationale des Arts Décoratifs, originally planned for 1915, interrupted by the Great War, finally opened in 1925, and described as “the quintessential expression of the luxury arts and exquisite craftsmanship”. American, circa 1930s. Height: 8½ inches (22 cms). Ref 4886


Multum im parvo*


The Finchley Establishment: (left) a well-proportioned 1930s portable travel bar/suitcase, custom-made by the esteemed Fifth Avenue store prized by New York’s elite, the case in light tan hide, opening to reveal a lined interior fitted with two tall glass decanters, large cocktail flask and vacuum ice holder, a funnel, two small and one large metal containers, six gilt-lined cups, two nut or sweet trays and a glass-topped cigarette box on a lift-out tray and three further large glass decanters are stored below. Of special interest, enclosed correspondence from the retailers, dated Jan 13th 1931, priced the set at $100, a prodigious sum, even for the time. Length of case: 19 inches (48 cms). Ref 4809

(Right) a well-preserved example of an Edwardian cocktail set, circa 1905, fitted in a dark brown leather suitcase with carrying handle; the case opening to display a detachable tray with cocktail shaker, ice bucket, three drinks bottles and six matching beakers, a removable lower compartment box and two matching drinks bottles, complete with original key. Length of case: 18 inches (46 cms). Ref 4808

* ‘Much in little, compression of much into little space’.


Box Clever

Companionable: a superb example of the rare and desirable Sterling silver Asprey ‘Triple’ smoker’s companion, designed for keeping cigars, cigarettes and matches, signed ASPREY LONDON, 1912. Length 6½ inches (16 cms). Ref 4893

Shagreened: a choice Art Deco box of geometric design, plain sides and engine-turning to the lid, decorative panels of shagreen with distinguishing granulated surface, and the centre complemented by a circular shagreen panel with two semi-circular recessed handles that entirely remove the lid to reveal a plain, wood lined interior. American, circa 1920s. Length: 10 inches (26 cms). Ref 4894


Turn around: a very rare Asprey Sterling silver cigarette or cigarillo box shaped as a tea caddy, the large finial turns to let the four right-angled compartments swivel open revealing cedar-lined compartments reserved for Russian, Egyptian, Turkish and Virginia cigarettes, the body and finial heavily engine-turned, mounted on a swept polished foot. Overall height: 8 inches (20 cms). Hallmarked ASPREY & CO. London, 1929. Ref 4852

Alfred Dunhill: an unusual silver-plated cigar box, the sides and lid featuring inset circular panels of specimen hardstone, with folding handles and bun feet, the interior completely relined in Spanish cedar, with hygrometer. Signed DUNHILL, English, circa 1950s. Length: 13 inches (33 cms) Ref 4828;

and a beautifully made and most elegant Cartier Art Deco themed Sterling silver cigar box, with domed lid and raised Sterling silver ‘buckle’ design. Marked CARTIER STERLING to the base, the interior cedar lined, French circa 1935. Ref 4873

Open view


‘Gentlemen, you may smoke’ *

* King Edward VII, on his ascension to the throne in 1901. His mother, Queen Victoria, had previously banned smoking at Court.


Beyond Magnificent: an opulent and imposing Tiffany Sterling silver cigar box of massive proportions, the lid with a bundle of four silver ‘cigars’, and various ‘matches’ in silver and rose-gold, with central cartouche inscribed ‘La Gloria Cubana, CEG, Habana’. Signed TIFFANY, American, circa 1907. Ref 4869

Width: 17 inches (43 cms).

La Gloria Cubana is one of Cuba’s oldest cigar brands, founded in 1885.


Lighting Up

Fratelli Cacchione: a stunning pair of ‘palazzo’ candelabra of massive proportions made by renowned Milanese silversmiths Cacchione reputedly as a wedding gift for Prince Rainier and Princess Grace of Monaco, in 1956, each set on an octagonal foot with eight corresponding branches. Signed Fratelli Cacchione, Italian, circa 1950s. Ref 4796

Height of each: 27 inches (69 cms).

Note: the House of Cacchione was founded in Florence in 1889 and relocated to Milan in 1933. Their illustrious clientele has included Royal houses, Heads of State and important corporate bodies, for whom they have crafted magnificent, unique works of art, notably a silver model of the Montreal Olympic Stadium presented to HM Queen Elizabeth II, silver bonbonnières and other tableware as wedding gifts for the wedding of Prince Rainier of Monaco and Grace Kelly, and superb architectural and military models for the House of Saud.



It happened in Massachusetts

Nautical influence: an outstanding, circa 1900 Sterling silver tankard of maritime origin, the main body of ‘barrel’ form, the front and sides with applied naval motifs and seashells, with a handle of ‘rope’ form and plain finial to the lid. The vessel inscribed ‘Governor Foster Furcolo, January 3, 1957 in Friendship, Harry S. and Vivian B. Spectre’.

Marked STERLING to the base, with Boston maker’s marks Bigelow Kennard and Co. Height overall: 10 inches (26 cms). American, circa 1900. Ref 4876


Winning Streak

Decked out: a superior turn of the last century set of engraved mother-of-pearl gaming chips, in four denominations (5, 20, 50 and 250 francs), totalling some 500 in number; together with a set of early Bakelite poker dice and, remarkably fresh, two unopened 1920s De la Rue playing card decks. All enclosed in a stylish, suede-lined ebony and sycamore fitted box, with plaques inset to the lid. French, circa 1900. Length of box: 15 inches (38 cms). Ref 4861


Long Island Getaway


Baby Love: fast company in the shape of a brilliantly-executed and unique sculptural aluminium model of the famous motorboat ‘Baby Bootlegger’ by John Elwell (English, born 1947). The unique rendition in Elwell’s house style of hand-formed aluminium panels riveted over a space frame. The pronounced ‘G5’ registration number in highly polished brass, the cockpit instrumentation finely detailed, and the vessel flying the US yacht ensign to the rear, complete with fixed hardwood plinth and silver plaque, signed JOHN ELWELL, 1/1 2010. Ref 4729

Length overall: 51 inches (130 cms).

‘Baby Bootlegger’, designed by George Crouch, powered by a Hispano-Suiza aero-engine and built in 1924 at the staggering cost of $34,000 by

Henry B. Nevins yard in City Island, New York, was the most advanced high-performance speedboat of the age, with a top speed of over 70 mph. The property of Caleb Bragg, noted Wall Street player and passionate sportsman, who set early speed records on land and in the air before directing his attention to the Long Island Gold Cup contest on water. In the 1925 series of races, Bragg triumphed, taking all the glittering prizes on the island. Described today as the ‘Bugatti Royale’ of race boats, ‘Baby Bootlegger’ is considered the most beautiful wooden boat ever made.


Beyond the Horizon

Successful Flotation: two fine sea-plane models of hardwood construction, with metal detailing, both French circa 1930s (on left) wingspan 29 inches (74 cms) Ref 1998, and (right) wingspan 31 inches (80 cms). Ref 1999

World’s fastest: (clockwise from top) a stunning inscribed presentation model of the MiG25 fighter plane, capable of speeds approaching Mach 3, dated 1976. Height 16 inches (41 cms). Russian, circa 1976 Ref 4898; a stylish streamlined polished cast aluminium model of Concorde, circa 1990, stamped FR No. 50. Height : 17 inches (44 cms) Ref 4797; and a rare ‘Schneider Trophy’ silvered bronze car mascot in the form of victorious Supermarine S6B, the forerunner to the Spitfire, the plane with rotating propeller mounted on a plain, hardwood base. Wingspan: 6 inches (15 cms). Ref 4830


‘Constellation over Manhattan’: (top) original oil on canvas by Lucio Perinotto (born 1947). A new element was introduced in civil aviation with the advent of piston-engined propeller aircraft, ushering in the era of long-haul flights. Dimensions: 52 inches (133 cms) x 40 inches (100 cms). Ref 4872

‘DC3 over the Alps’: (above) original oil on canvas by Lucio Perinotto. The long history of Swiss aviation dates back to Ad Astra Aero in 1919, and the first ‘air hostesses’ in Europe walked down the aisles of Swiss passenger transport aircraft. Dimensions: 33 x 22 inches (84 x 56 cms). Ref 4845


Star Quality

‘Connie’: authentic, period scale model by Lockheed, the US aircraft manufacturer of the fabled ‘Constellation’ airliner, beloved by those who had the wonderful good fortune to travel across the Atlantic in a ‘Connie’ during the airliner’s heyday in the 1950s. Of lightweight aviation aluminium construction with stamped Lockheed reference numbers to the underside of the fuselage. Mounted on original aluminium display stand, signed ‘Lockheed’ and bearing original Trans World Airlines livery. American, circa 1950. Ref 4831

Wingspan: 46 inches (117 cms).



Luxe Flaminia

Aerodynamic: original styling model or ‘buck’, by renowned Milanese carrosserie Zagato, for the limited-edition Lancia Flaminia Coupé, launched in 1958 as successor to the celebrated Aurelia. The sporting design featured a double-arched roofline, hallmark of the coachbuilder, allowing plenty of headroom while maintaining a sleek bodyline. Of lacquered timber construction, Made in Milan, circa 1950s. So rare. Ref 4838

Length: 32 inches (80 cms).



Improving the Breed

Speed matters: Jean-Marc Chaillet’s expressive illustration titled ‘Porsche, Carrera RS White, Orange and Yellow’. Original gouache on board, signed and dated by the artist. Dimensions: 21 x 16 inches (53 x 41 cms). Ref 4847

‘Grand Sport: (right) ‘1939 24 Heures du Mans’: highly evocative depiction in oil on canvas, of the start of the final Le Mans endurance race, staged on June 17th/18th 1939, before the advent of World War Two. The all-conquering supercharged Bugatti Type 57c ‘Tank’ was piloted by Jean-Pierre Wimille and Pierre Veyron (pictured to the foreground), later key members of the Resistance in Occupied France. Signed A.L’ami G. Muller and dated 1939. Mounted in a black gloss frame with patterned gesso slip. Dimensions: 63 x 40 inches (173 x 102 cms). Ref 4896


Turneresque: (left) heightened drama to the fore in ‘1961 French Grand Prix’, a watercolour study by acclaimed English artist Michael Turner (born 1934) showing Phil Hill’s Ferrari 156 ‘Sharknose’ and Jim Clark’s Lotus Climax in pursuit. The laurels at Reims went to Giancarlo Baghetti in a Ferrari. Framed and glazed. Dimensions: 42 x 22 inches (106 x 56 cms). Ref 4895

Marque of distinction: an accomplished pictorial interpretation by Jean-Marc Chaillet of a Porsche Carrera RS licht. Original gouache on board, framed and glazed. Signed and dated by the artist. Dimensions: 22 x 17 inches (56 x 43 cms). Ref 4846


Toy Story

I, Robot: a rare example of the 1950 American Meccano ‘Mechanical Man’ or ‘Robo’ with working motor enabling ‘Robo’ to swing his arms and rotate his head as he ‘walks’. Rewired and fully operational, American, circa 1950s. Ref 4891 Height overall: 38 inches (97 cms).

Note: the cinematic release of Isaac Asimov’s ‘I, Robot’ in 1950 stimulated interest in space-related artefacts including toys. Toys such as ‘Robo’ pre-date the tin Japanese toy robots by a decade and are considerably more scarce.


Making it plane: surviving example from Toy Town of one of the rarest Meccano sets manufactured. A fully assembled model, dating from the 1930s, of the 1917 Fokker DR3 Triplane of ‘Flying Circus’ fame, commanded by aristocratic ace Baron von Richthofen (famously known as ‘The Red Baron’) and flown in combat for the Kaiser over the skies of France during World War One. Wingspan: 17 inches (44 cms). Ref 4160

LNER: ‘The Flying Scotsman’: an early ‘carpet train’, a children’s toy intended for use in large country houses for children to ride on (or in) indoors. Of wooden construction, green painted with gold detailing. English, circa 1930s. Ref 4826 Length overall: 44 inches (112 cms).


Bear Necessities

Sticking it out: (left) one of the rarest and best examples of a 19th century hand-carved solid walnut stick stand from the hilly wooden region east of the Rhine Valley commonly known as the Black Forest, rendered in the form of a whimsical black bear, equipped with climbing rope and ice pick. Height: 42 inches (107 cms). Ref 4795


Cubbable: a seated bronze Russian bear cub of the finest quality by Irene Rochard (French, 1906-1984). Signed ‘I ROCHARD’ with foundry marks, and numbered 5 of 8 to the base. French, circa 1930s. Ref 3145

Height overall: 19 inches (49 cms).


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Bronze Age


Myth making: ‘Penthesilia, Queen of the Amazons’, a cire perdue bronze Art Deco statue by distinguished French sculptor Marcel Bouraine (French, 1886-1948), cast circa 1925 by the venerable Susse Frères Fondeurs, Paris, signed BOURAINE in the bronze. Ref 4849

Length overall: 32 inches (82 cms).

Penthesilia, beautiful grand-daughter of Zeus, killed her sister Hippolyte by misadventure. The Queen of the Amazons, grief-stricken, sought her own death in the decade-long Trojan War and, according to myth, was slain by Achilles. In turn, the Greek hero, inconsolable at her death, was murdered by Paris.

The creations of Marcel Bouraine, widely admired for his bas-reliefs, are the embodiment of high Art Deco style and, ever in demand, are increasingly monopolising the attention of serious-minded collectors.


The Case of Hermès

A case in point: (left) an eminently desirable and exceedingly rare gentleman’s Sac à Dépêche in tan ‘Crocodilus Porosos’, the most sought-after crocodile skin in the world. An immaculate example of recent manufacture, in essentially unused condition, complete with a pair of keys and fob. Signed Hermès, Paris. Width:

16 inches (40 cms). Introduced by Hermès as early as 1937, and carrying a two-year waiting list today, the Sac à Dépêche counts HRH the Duke of Windsor and John F. Kennedy among an illustrious list of owners Ref 4154;

(Right) an outstanding example of a crocodile Sac à Mallette, expertly crafted and displaying the exceptionally high standards of design associated with the luxury maker; the bag presented in virtually unused condition, with original keys and a soft cover. Signed Hermès Paris, circa 1960. Length overall: 13 inches (33 cms). Ref 4844


Upper case: a very smart leather sporting gun case by Hermès, the suede-lined interior fitted for a pair of guns and accessories, with decorative brass corners, sturdy carrying handle and original keys. Hermès at its best. Length overall: 32 inches (82 cms), circa 1960s. Ref 4843

Open and shut case: (right) a faultless crocodile jewel case, well-preserved by its original outer cover, with fully fitted interior retaining original silk-velvet cushions and pads. The keys and fob date from time of manufacture. Signed Hermès Paris to the case and brass lock-plate, circa 1950. Length: 15 inches (39 cms). Ref 4829

Detail: Ref 4843


Ring Side

‘Boxeurs’, a powerfully expressive bronze sculpture by Marcel Bouraine (French, 1886-1948), depicting two

sparring boxers, the contenders set on a bronze sôcle, bearing the sculptor’s signature and foundry

mark for AG of Paris, dated 1924. A rich dark patine to the bronze adds distinction. Length:

18 inches (46 cms), mounted on a black figured, marble base. Ref 4848

Provenance: Exhibited at Concours d’Art des Jeux Olympiques de Paris, 1924.


Pullman Studios

The Studio System: we are delighted to announce the completion of our enormous new facility close to Chelsea Bridge, London. Clients, decorators and other buyers will now – for the first time - be able to view our entire inventory, in conjunction with our gallery at King Street, St. James’s, (10-15 minutes away). The world’s finest and largest selection of antique Louis Vuitton trunks, several hundred rare, original vintage posters and paintings, subjects include motor-racing, railway, ocean liner, travel, winter sports, polo and aviation, Art Deco sculpture and furniture, a dedicated Dexter Brown atelier with over 100 original paintings, superb scale models, giant binoculars and much more! “It’s exactly what every serious collector dreams of finding”, exclaimed a recent visitor as he relaxed with an espresso doppio in the Den. Intended for the seasoned collector or interior designer, the Pullman Studios may be visited by appointment only, please contact Rachel Kelly for details at [email protected].



Skeletal: an expertly made, intricately detailed rendering of a human skeleton in silvered bronze, the form assembled with fully articulated joints, mounted on a bespoke metal stand. Of German manufacture, late 1970s. Height: 31 inches (79 cms). Ref 4819

The stuff of thought: (below) a finely cast, well-detailed sculpture of a human skull made in the late 1930s, height: 5 inches (13 cms) Ref 4820; an unusual pair of well-formed skull-shaped bookends mounted on silver plated stands, the skulls in clear Lucite with opening and closing jaws. French, circa 1970s. Height: 6 inches (15 cms) Ref 4821; and a novel pair of silvered bronze skull bookends, mounted on bronze stands. Italian, circa 1950. Ref 4822

A symbol of death or mortality, representation of the human skull is a reminder of the brevity and fragility of human life.

Memento mori

Ref 4821

Ref 4820

Ref 4822

Documents

The Magazine of the Pullman Gallery Issue No. 40 · The Magazine of the Pullman Gallery Issue No. 40 ... maxim has it, and since our title ... La Gloria Cubana is one of Cuba’s