A JEWELLED 9 CT GOLD CIGARETTE CASE, CARTIER, LONDON, 1942

A JEWELLED 9 CT GOLD CIGARETTE CASE, CARTIER, LONDON, 1942

rectangular, the reeded engine-turned lid with a pointed sliding 'panther skin' thumbpiece set with rose diamonds and crescent moon-shaped onyx, lobed sides, interior of lid with inscription, fully hallmarked
8.1cm., 3¼in. wide

Condition Report:
smart case; surface wear throughout, commensurate with age and regular use, a few small dents on the sides

"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."

Provenance:
The inscription, in facsimile of handwriting reading '18 Jan 1933-43,' records that this cigarette case was a 10th anniversary gift commemorating the marriage on 18 January 1933 at St. Margaret's, Westminster of Sir Hugh Houston Smiley, 3rd Bt. (1905-1990) and Nancy Elizabeth Louise Hardy (1909-1999), elder daughter of Ernest Walter Hardy Beaton and his wife, Esther (née Sisson). The wedding, at which Miss Beaton's younger sister, Baba (Barbara Jessica Hardy Beaton / Mrs. Alec Hambro, 1912-1973) was one of the bridesmaids, was designed and organised by the Beaton sisters' elder brother, Cecil, later Sir Cecil (1904-1980), the celebrated photographer and socialite. The Sketch (London, Wednesday, 25 January 1933, p. 139) noted that, 'The Wedding of Miss Nancy Beaton and Sir Hugh Smiley, Bt., was a ''snow-white Christmas-Fairy'' scene. The bride's dress of white chiffon, powdered with shimmering sequins and trimmed with ermine, had a train to match. The bridesmaids . . . wore white chiffon and were ''roped together'' with garlands of white flowers. The [three] pages . . . were in white satin knee-breeches, with sky-blue velvet coats.' The bride's bouquet was of lilies-of-the-valley and stephanotis tied with blue ribbons.