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Opening to reveal a fitted mirror, a removable powder compact, a covered lipstick holder, a lighter, a tortoiseshell comb, a covered glass compartment and one additional compartment, square-shaped sapphires, styptor (mark) and rose gold, 1930s, minaudière signed 'La Minaudière de Van Cleef & Arpels' and numbered, powder compact and lighter signed VCA and numbered, black fitted Van Cleef & Arpels carrying case

GGTL, 2022, report no. 22-B-6250: Eretmochelys imbricata (toirtoise shell)

Size/Dimensions: minaudière 15.1 x 12.0 x 2.5 cm; powder compact 7.1 x 5.0 x 1.4 cm; lighter 1.5 x 6.9 x 0.9 cm
Gross Weight: 659.0 grams

Please note that this lot incorporates material from endangered species which could result in export restrictions.

Prospective purchasers are advised that several countries prohibit the importation of property containing materials from endangered species, including but not limited to coral, ivory and tortoiseshell. Accordingly, prospective purchasers should familiarize themselves with relevant customs regulations prior to bidding if they intend to import this lot into another country.

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Lot Essay

This unusual alloy of pewter and silver was briefly used in the 1930-40s, when precious materials were becoming scarce, especially during the Second World War. Styptor was primarily utilized for the manufacture of vanity cases and objects. The metal has a registered trademark and has been one of the main elements for the Van Cleef & Arpels Minaudières.
This iconic design was first created in 1934 for the American socialite Florence Jay Gould, wife of the philanthropist and founder of the Virginia Railway and Power company, Frank Jay Gould. It was invented, after Charles Arpels attended one of Florence’s literary salons, where he witnessed her safekeeping her powder compact, lipstick holder and mirror in a Lucky Strike cigarette tin. The French jeweller soon designed this practical and precious beauty-compact for his clientele.

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