VAN CLEEF & ARPELS An Art Deco 18K (750°/°°)... - Lot 850 - De Baecque et Associés

VAN CLEEF & ARPELS An Art Deco 18K (750°/°°) yellow gold and platinum (850°/°°) dressing-case in cylindrical form, opening onto two cloisonné powder compartments and a central removable lipstick tube. The mirror lowers to reveal an ivory plate and an 18K (750°/°°) yellow gold mechanical pencil in the form of a dance card. It is decorated with geometric motifs set with lines of rose-cut diamonds, a band of black and mauve enameled floral motifs on cloisonné and mauve lacquer (a few scratches). The ends adorned with carved lapis lazuli cabochons held by a line of rose-cut diamonds (two roses and one screw missing), with its two-strand black cotton cord, embellished with patterned elements. Circa 1925, signed in full in the corner of the lid (semi-readable), bears the hallmark of Maître-Orfèvre de la maison STRAUSS, ALLARD & MEYER, inventory no.: 6896 Diameter: approx. 35 mm, length: approx. 11 cm - Gross weight: 217.4 g STRAUSS, ALLARD & MEYER: Founded around 1909 by the designer Allard and his friend Meyer, they were joined by the salesman Strauss in 1920 and produced for Cartier, Lacloche and Van Cleef & Arpels, among others, but also on their own behalf, numerous Art Deco boxes, minaudières, sets and lighters, inspired by the Far East, in lacquered decors using lapis, jade, coral, mother-of-pearl... They supplied the whole of Paris, and their creations, renowned for their perfection, delighted the elegant women of the day. The workshop employed up to 80 people before being dissolved following the Second World War.