This lot is offered by Christie Manson & Woods Ltd
Christie Manson & Woods Ltd
8 King Street, St. James's, London, SW1Y 6QT, United Kingdom
Phone: +44 (0)20 7839 9060
Fax: +44 (0)20 7839 2869
Brought to you by
Lot Essay
A gift from husband Mel Ferrer, the significant wear suggests heavy use. The engraving Acorn was a nickname Mel gave to Audrey because of the acorn-like shape of her face. Audrey sometimes signed her letters to Mel from Acorn.
One of Audrey's few vices were cigarettes. In his book Audrey At Home, son Luca Dotti described how she began to smoke as a young girl, when Holland was liberated from Nazi occupation by the British:
"Freedom has a special smell to me" - she explained - "the smell of British petrol and British cigarettes. When I ran out to welcome the soldiers, I inhaled their petrol fumes as if it were a priceless perfume and I demanded a cigarette, even though it made me choke." She would never again be without British cigarettes.
Related Articles
Sorry, we are unable to display this content. Please check your connection.
You have agreed to be bound by the Conditions of Sale and if your bid is successful, you are legally obliged to pay for the lot you have won. The purchase price for a successful bid will be the sum of your final bid plus a buyer’s premium, any applicable taxes and any artist resale royalty, exclusive of shipping-related expenses.
Condition report
A Christie's specialist may contact you to discuss this lot or to notify you if the condition changes prior to the sale.
The condition of lots can vary widely and the nature of the lots sold means that they are unlikely to be in a perfect condition. Lots are sold in the condition they are in at the time of sale.
- Overall condition fair - The gilt exterior worn through in places, with general surface scratches and nicks - The hinged cover does not close securely and remains open
Print Report
Cost calculator
Enter your bid amount for an estimated cost
Bid amount
Please enter numbers onlyAmount must be higher than the starting bidAmount must be higher than the current bid