The Magazine of the Pullman Gallery Issue No. 41 the iconic Chrysler Building, as captured by John Elwell, see pages 34 & 35. Machine Age Metropolis: the iconic Chrysler Building, as captured The World according to Pullman
Welcome to issue 41 of PULLMAN - a special double issue and at 68 pages, our largest edition to date. Recent months have witnessed some of our busiest times: the successful establishment of Pullman Studios, our vast new 6,000 square foot showroom near Chelsea Bridge, and exhibiting at Masterpiece in the summer – both accounting for the non-appearance of our usual September issue.
The cover of our latest edition is graced by a shining example of the model-making skills of John Elwell – a unique sculptural representation of the classic Art Deco-influenced Chrysler Building. A splendid Sterling silver model of the Avro-Lancaster by Garrard to the special order of King Hussein of Jordan, is a reminder of the wartime heavy bomber’s legendary status. Blue skies also form the backdrop to the Concorde story, and the House of Cartier’s fine model rendering of a legend in passenger flight is a distinguished rarity. A powerfully expressive depiction of The Western Front by de Bruyne (aka Dexter Brown) evokes the thin blue line of the Royal Flying Corps of the Great War years.
Alfa Romeo is particularly well-represented in this issue – a rare, Sterling silver 8c ‘Monza’ by Theo Fennell, a fine large scaleTipo 158/159 ‘Alfetta’ model by Bruno Colombi, and a superb and unique electric-powered prototype P2 tinplate toy made in 1935 by CIJ Paris, to name but three.
Luxury makers of the first échelon – Hermès, Asprey, Dunhill, Louis Vuitton, Cartier and Theo Fennell included – and three of the most flamboyantly different 20th century artists – Bruno Zach, André-Vincent Becquerel and Maurice Guiraud-Rivière - are also found on these pages. A choice of exceptional Sterling Silver Rolls-Royce desk pieces capture beyond question the very essence of ‘The Best Car in the World’.
But of course there is so much more to see - on our fully updated website, in the gallery at King Street and also at Pullman Studios. So please enjoy this latest issue, and we hope to see you very soon. Remember Pullman Studios may only be viewed by appointment, so please contact Rachel Kelly ([email protected]) for further details.
Until next time,
Simon Khachadourian
14 King Street St. James’s London SW1Y 6QU
Email: [email protected] www.pullmangallery.com Tel: +44 (0)20 7930 9595 Monday – Friday 10.00 – 18.00 By appointment only Chilling: a large and very stylish silver-plated ice bucket in the form of a snail, with a hinged lid lifting to reveal a removable liner. “Ice”, according to ‘Trader Vic’ Bergeron, “is the first requisite of good mixing”. Italian, circa 1955. Length: 16 inches (41 cms). Ref 4982
Boat couture: ‘Le Yacht’, highly inventive chrome drinks tray with eight shot glasses and a cocktail shaker affixed in gimballed supports so the tray may be carried vertically and drinks served (naturally) from the horizontal - of capital advantage aboard a yacht. Marked HERMÈS PARIS, circa 1955. Length: 21 inches (53 cms). Ref 4827
www.pullmangallery.com 3 Mixed Company
Glass distinction: an eminently desirable cocktail set, comprising six glasses and shaker, with chrome cap and integral strainer, all decorated with a nautical motif. American, circa 1930s.
Height: 12 inches (30 cms). Ref 4899
4 PULLMAN Issue No: 41 Mixology: an exquisite Cartier bar set, comprising ice tongs, long- handled mixing spoon, ice pick, corkscrew, bottle-opener, ice-crusher and double-jigger (single and double measures). All signed Cartier and marked Sterling, complete with fitted Cartier case. French circa 1950.
Case: 14 inches (36 cms) square. Ref 1803
www.pullmangallery.com 5 Cartier
The case of Cartier
6 PULLMAN Issue No: 41 Cartier
(Left to right) Cartier: an exquisite 9-carat gold Cartier: a magnificent Sterling silver Art Deco Cartier: a unique fluted Sterling silver cigarette cigarette case of generous proportion marked cigar box with classic, heavily fluted Moderne case and ‘Jumbo’ lighter en suite, of classic Cartier Paris and bearing English import marks detail to sides and thumb piece, complete ribbed Art Deco design, both signed Cartier for London, 1939. Complete with fitted Cartier with fitted Cartier case. French, circa 1930. and complete with fitted case. French circa case. French, 1939. 1930s. Ref 1318 Length: 10 inches (25 cms). Ref 3640 Length: 5½ inches (14 cms). Ref 3188
www.pullmangallery.com 7 Cartier encore
(Clockwise from above) Cartier: Cartier: a very an unusual Sterling silver cigarette unusual cigar box in or trinket box with heavy ‘bamboo’ Bakelite and chrome, design, hinged cover and silver-gilt incorporating an 8-day interior. Signed Cartier, French circa clock to the lid, signed 1950s. Height: 4 inches (10 cms). Cartier, French circa 1935. Ref 2167 Length: 8 inches (20 cms). Ref 4989 Cartier: a superb Sterling silver cigar box with applied ‘buckle’, the interior bearing 1937 inscription. Signed Cartier, French circa 1937. Length: 9 inches (23 cms). Ref 4873
Chasing the Dragon: a large, intricately crafted, heavy-gauge Chinese Sterling silver box, with mythical fire-breathing Dragon applied to the lid in repoussée work. A stylised motif of rolling seas adds definition to the sides and rear of the box, the interior in Spanish cedar.
Length: 13 inches (33 cms). Ref 4931
8 PULLMAN Issue No: 41 Size matters: an outstanding Sterling silver cigar box of significant proportions, the heavy-gauge body expertly re-lined with Spanish cedar and divided into two lift-out compartments, with covers and ebony handles. Total capacity 400-500 cigars.
Dimensions: 15 inches (38 cms) square. Ref 4943
www.pullmangallery.com 9 The Court of the Tsar
Ref 3147
Ref 1469
Ref 2203
Ref 2082
Ref 2190
Ref 2201
We are delighted to present a group of no fewer than 12 superb Varying in size, some of the boxes bear engraved messages, examples of Imperial Russian trompe l’oeil cigar and cigarette boxes, monograms and dates. Some are so-called ‘parcel-gilt’ (gilded all made in St. Petersburg between 1879 and 1917. silver and natural silver combined), and all are correctly marked with Russian silver marks and makers initials. Such boxes were highly fashionable in pre-Bolshevik Russia, and silversmiths such as Nikolai Kulikov, Mikhail Isakov and the Grachev Available individually or as a collection, please contact us for brothers, vied with each other to create ever-more intricate engraving, individual details or alternatively, view the items on our website at to simulate the taxation bands and cigar maker’s labels, such as www.pullmangallery.com. H.UPMANN, the preferred brand of the Romanov Imperial Court.
10 PULLMAN Issue No: 41 Ref 0628
Ref 1692
Ref 1277
Ref 1098
Ref 2200
Ref 3146
www.pullmangallery.com 11 Matching: two stylish and very large crystal and Sterling silver match strikers, dated 1938 and 1929 respectively Ref 4999, 4968 and an excellent Sterling silver ‘Triple’ smoker’s companion, the three graduating boxes reserved for cigars, cigarettes and matches, with engraving, ‘Killbroney 1911, Goodwood Gold Cup’. Made by Goldsmiths & Silversmiths Company and hallmarked London, 1911. Length: 6½ inches (16 cms). Ref 4986
English class: extremely handsome Asprey portable smoker’s ‘Trio’, comprising three Sterling silver-mounted crocodile cases, to hold cigars, cigarettes/cigarillos and matches. Each marked Asprey. English, hallmarked 1898. Ref 4987
12 PULLMAN Issue No: 41 Sovereign of the Seas
Holy Grail: arguably the rarest Aquarium table lighter made by Alfred Dunhill, the Perspex body encasing hand-painted scenes of RMS Queen Mary, full steam ahead, presented in a fitted Dunhill case and marked DUNHILL to the lift-arm. English, circa 1950s. Length: 4 inches (10 cms). Ref 4993
Cary Grant arriving in New York aboard the Queen Mary, 1950.
www.pullmangallery.com 13 Ref 4375
Time Honoured: three excellent examples of the ‘Weather Station’ desk compendium, made and sold by Hermès, and highly sought after today.
Comprising a clock, perpetual calendar, barometer, thermometer and compass, the ‘Weather Station’ is a substantial and heavy desk piece which revolves on its base. Of solid construction in bronze, nickel and silver-plate with leather, they exist in several sizes, as shown here. All French, circa 1935-1950.
14 PULLMAN Issue No: 41 Ref 4937
Ref 4720
www.pullmangallery.com 15 Objets de vertu
Boucheron: stylish silver, silver-gilt and gem-set vanity compendium of rectangular form characterised by reeded and chequered decoration, the cover with a pierced gilt panel portraying birds amongst gem set fruiting vines on an open-work trellis, the interior fitted with compartments for face powder, lipstick and a scent bottle. Stamped Boucheron - Paris and complete with a black suede outer case doubling as an evening bag. French, circa 1930s. Length: 5 inches (13 cms). Ref 4802
Gifted idea: a fine, period Royal Air Force travel clock, contained within a Sterling silver and guilloché enamel case. Hallmarked Birmingham, 1933, with retailer’s name and address – Gieves of 21 Old Bond St, London, bespoke tailors and loyal outfitters to the Third Service. Complete with fitted case. Size: 2 inches (5 cms) square.Ref 4932
16 PULLMAN Issue No: 41 High Life
Supersonic Service: an important rarity in The Anglo-French Concorde, symbolic of the the form of a Concorde presentation model, technological age and indisputable triumph the vermeil aircraft mounted on a rough-hewn of aviation engineering, powered up to 100 block of rock crystal enclosed in a fitted Cartier passengers across the skies at twice the speed presentation case. This is one of 100 examples of sound. Signed Cartier, French circa 1975. presented to notable passengers on the two inaugural flights. Length: 4¼ inches (11 cms). Ref 4927
www.pullmangallery.com 17 Winning streak
18 PULLMAN Issue No: 41 Theo Fennell: a beyond mint, Sterling silver scale model of the historic 1932 Alfa Romeo Tipo 8c ‘Monza’ by London silversmith Theo Fennell.
One of only 10 examples produced in 1987, this exquisite model is in perfect condition, complete with black marble plinth and fitted travelling case (not shown). Hallmarked London, 1987.
Length: 11½ inches (29 cms). Ref 4933
www.pullmangallery.com 19 Bruno Colombi: unique, large-sized contemporary scale One of the most successful competition cars of the immediate model of the Alfa Romeo 158/159, the body rendered in post-war era, the 158, and 159 derivative, dominated the aluminium with brass accents, wooden treaded tyres first two seasons of emerging Formula One. Fagioli, Farina fitted with aluminium spinners, authentic dashboard and Fangio, aces all, were among drivers of the first echelon instrumentation, wooden steering wheel and fabric seats, who campaigned the Alfetta with conspicuous success. mounted on a black lacquered plinth.
Length of model: 34 inches (87 cms). Ref 4998
(Right) ‘Jean-Pierre Wimille, Alfa Romeo 158’: Original oil painting by Roy Nockolds (English, 1911-1980), a fine rendering of the celebrated ace and former French Resistance member, cornering the all-conquering Italian competition car, circa 1952. Size: 16 x 9 inches (23 x 41 cms). Ref 4948
20 PULLMAN Issue No: 41 www.pullmangallery.com 21 A Category of One
22 PULLMAN Issue No: 41 Alfa plus: a highly important and unique, prototype electric-powered The P2 was produced between 1924 and 1939 in response to the Alfa Romeo P2 tinplate toy by CIJ (Compagnie Industrielle du Jouet) competition success of Vittorio Jano’s design, one of the most successful with hand-held control connected via the rear filler-cap to operate Grand Prix racing cars ever. However, by the mid-1930s, CIJ’s legendary the headlights and facilitate forward and reverse, as illustrated in the P2 was somewhat ‘old hat’, and the sales were flagging in the face of lavish and definitive work on tinplate P2 toys by Fabrice Mestrot. French, more up-to-date offerings from Italian makers such as Domo of Milan. circa 1935. CIJ therefore created this unique experimental prototype to evaluate the feasibility of production – which never took place. Length: 22 inches (55 cms). Ref 4835
www.pullmangallery.com 23 Toy Story
Ref 4972
Ref 4977
Ref 4976
Ref 4975
noise and more speed led to the Playtime: an exceedingly rare, enormous popularity of the sport stylized tinplate toy racing car in post-war Britain. French, circa of fine quality by German maker 1952. Length: 16 inches (41 cms). Johann Distler. In cream livery, Ref 4976 with fine lithographed detailing and driver in classic motoring Ref 4974 Like clockwork: 1920s attire, marked number ‘35’, clockwork toy car by Meccano, and equipped with working sporting cars, was founded France SA, finished in blue headlamps, running boards, Fast Company: a rare, diesel- in 1938 by Charles Deutsch livery with cream, with rubber bumpers, Dunlop 935 x 135 tyres engined pylon racer in mint and René Bonnet. French, mid- tyres, headlights, complete with and side-mounted spare. condition, equipped with heavy 1950s. Length overall: 18 inches accessories (frequently missing) to rubber tyres and sporting DB (46 cms). Ref 4977 convert the coupé into a cabriolet. This sought-after de luxe example, logo on the hubcaps. Original Few examples have managed in the largest size, is in outstanding Plexi windscreen, painted steering On the wire: an all cast, heavy to survive the decades. Length: original condition. The ancient wheel and cockpit detailing. aluminium Ferrari 500F2 pylon 8 inches (20 cms). Ref 4975 firm of Johann Distler KG was Liveried in distinctive Deutsch racer by Vega, one of only 30 founded at the end of the 19th Bonnet blue, numbered 2, and examples made. Toy story: très rare tinplate toy century in Nuremberg, first selling reported to achieve speeds of 90 car from Citröen, finished in ‘penny’ toys and later specialising miles (140 kilometres) per hour. In pylon racing, a wire connected red and black livery and fitted in high-quality printed tinplate the racer to a central rotating with winding mechanism and toys. Length: 20 inches (50 cms). DB (formerly Deutsch Bonnet) point and remarkable lap times brake, opening pilote’s side-door, German, circa 1925. Ref 4972 maker of rakish lightweight were recorded. More power, more running boards, bumpers and
24 PULLMAN Issue No: 41 Ref 4883
Ref 4832
Ref 4124
rear-mounted spare, manufactured As regular readers of the preceding 40 issues of PULLMAN will be aware, for les enfants (terrible?) of the classic tinplate toy Alfa Romeo Tipo P2, made by CIJ of Paris in the chosen customers of the marque 1920s and 1930s is something of a favourite of ours. We have sourced between 1924 and 1939. Marked and supplied almost 100 examples over the years including some Automobiles Méchanique André exceptionally-rare colours (did someone say ‘aubergine?’) and variants. Citröen to the underside. Our standards (and those of our customers) are high – we only buy and André Citröen, who represented sell original, unmolested examples, and sometimes two or three years all that was original and daring can pass without seeing an ‘acceptable’ one. In this issue, we are in automobile design, famously justifiably proud therefore to offer three beautiful and original examples of remarked in 1927 that “The first the legendary jouet – in rare metallic silver (second series), white (second words that a baby should learn to series) and a deliciously original first series car inrosso corsa, dating from pronounce are Mama, Papa and 1924. An unusual opportunity. Citröen”. French, circa 1930. Length: 12 inches (30 cms). Ref 4974
www.pullmangallery.com 25 Toy Story 2
Model approach: a rare surviving J.M.L. clockwork tinplate motorcycle, liveried in blue and red, with colourfully-attired rider attached, with lithographed treaded tyres and correct engine detailing. In remarkable, original and unmarked condition (increasingly difficult to find). French, circa 1940s.
Length: 12 inches (30 cms). Ref 4973
Italian style: a very large scale presentation model of the 1954 Nando Wealthy Italian engineer Nando dell’Orto acquired the hydroplane from dell’Orto Ferrari Hydroplane, finished in lacquered wood, with chrome Achille Castoldi, top-flight Italian speedboat ace, and significantly modified detailing, decals and instrumentation, mounted on black lacquered the original for nautical circuit racing. The hydroplane was powered by a display cradle. Ferrari 4.5-litre, V-12 Grand Prix engine.
Length: 48 inches (122 cms). Ref 4996
26 PULLMAN Issue No: 41 Making it plane: a true rarity in the form of a tinplate toy Dewoitine hydroplane by JEP (Jouet de Paris), founded in 1929 and an esteemed name in specialist toy- making. An excellent example, fitted with a powerful clockwork engine, complete with key. French, circa 1935.
Wingspan: 18 inches (46 cms). Ref 4971
www.pullmangallery.com 27 The Age of the Airship
Flight time: an extremely rare, original zeppelin chronometer by Lemania, Swiss, dated 1935. This unused, ‘new-old stock’ example is in pristine condition with its original box. Diameter: 3½ inches (9 cms). Ref 4078
28 PULLMAN Issue No: 41 A very large and impressive silver-plated desk stand in the shape of the legendary Graf Zeppelin, with five ‘motors’ and moving propellers, the top compartment hinged to open and reveal two inkwells, with an underslung passenger ‘gondola’ sliding out to reveal a drawer for fountain pens, stamps and stationery. The body engraved Graf Zeppelin on both sides and the tail-fin bearing maker’s marks for Franz Reichenberg Berlin DRP, in superb and original condition.
Passenger airship LZ127 GZ made aviation history in 1929 when the Maybach-powered dirigible embarked on a Round-the-World flight, sponsored by US press baron William Randolph Hearst. German, circa 1930s.
Length: 24 inches (61 cms). Ref 5015 Open detail
www.pullmangallery.com 29 ‘Lancaster Bomber’, signed and dated 1943, oil on canvas, depicting a lone bomber returning to England (and safety) at dawn after a night raid. English, 1943. Dimensions: 20 x 15 inches (39 x 50 cms). Ref 4093 Roy Nockolds (1911-1980)
(Dexter Brown, English, born 1942) in a stepped, gold leaf frame. Dimensions: 20 x 18 inches ‘The Western Front, ‘The 1917’: Western a sharply nostalgic, compelling of impression Royal Flying Corps pilots awaiting a sortie in the combat zone known as the Western Front (France and Flanders). Original oil on canvas signed de Bruyne (51 x 46 cms). Ref 4918
30 PULLMAN Issue No: 41 Garrard, London: an important The four-engined heavy bomber, and unique Sterling silver Avro designed by Avro’s chief engineer Lancaster 1:72 scale model, of Roy Chadwick, was the mainstay unsurpassed provenance, especially of Bomber Command following commissioned and presented by its entry into service in 1942, and King Hussein of Jordan to his trusted is especially remembered for its chauffeur, the applied silver inscription role in the 1943 Dambusters raid. plate reading ‘To our dear friend Joe Hallmarked London, 1988, complete Paine, with our high esteem and with original Garrard fitted display/ sincerest wishes, Hussein I and Noor travelling case. Ref 4984 Al-Hussein, 30th December 1987’. Engraved roundels, moving propellers Wingspan: 17 inches (43 cms). and detail to defensive armament add distinction to the model. Provenance: H.H King Hussein bin Mounted on a square stone base, Talal and Queen Noor of Jordan to with accompanying documentation Joe Paine. from Royal jeweller Garrard.
www.pullmangallery.com 31 Olympian
A magnificent and extremely rare bronze by Bruno Zach (1871-1939) depicting the American 5-man bobsleigh team at the 1928 St. Moritz Winter Olympics. Led to victory by the 16-year old Billy Fiske, this was the only occasion where a 5-man bob was used at Olympic level.
Fiske repeated his success with a gold medal at Lake Placid in 1932, and enlisted to the RAF in 1940, losing his life in the Battle of Britain. A plaque in St. Paul’s cathedral is dedicated to his memory.
This bronze is one of only four examples known, signed ZACH and dated 1928.
Length: 12 inches (31 cms). Ref 4923
US bobsleigh team, Winter Olympics, St. Moritz, 1928.
32 PULLMAN Issue No: 41 www.pullmangallery.com 33 ‘Concrete jungle where dreams are made of...’*
34 PULLMAN Issue No: 41 The sky is the limit in the shape of this unique, massive sculptural rendering of New York’s iconic Chrysler Building by supreme exponent of the model- making art John Elwell (English, born 1949). Constructed in Elwell’s signature style of hand-formed aluminium panels and mounted on a plinth with aluminium edging and macassar ebony inlaid veneers, reprised at each level of the stepped structure, with gilded detailing and hand-crafted riveted ‘windows’ prominent, the eye rising to the ornamental apex, illuminated by low-voltage lighting to the ‘crown’.
Kansas-born Walter P. Chrysler was one of the world’s largest automakers and claimed in 1928, ‘I like to build things. I like to do things. I am having fun’. The following year saw the completion by architect William Van Arlen of the 77-floor skyscraper, expressive of wealth and power, and transforming the Gotham skyline.
At 319 m (1,047ft), the Chrysler Building was New York’s tallest tower until superseded a year later by the Empire State Building. The major architectural and decorative styling influence wasArt Deco, epitome of life in the Machine Age. The building was clad in stone and featured huge stylised gargoyles in the form of Chrysler radiator mascots (recreated on the Elwell model, as pictured).
This spectacular architectural model is undoubtedly John’s most ambitious project to date and represents around 1,000 hours of work. As with all his models, ‘Chrysler Building’ is a unique, one-of-a-kind, and at almost 8 feet in height, is a powerful homage to the Machine Age.
Silver plaque to base signed JOHN ELWELL, numbered 1/1 and dated 2011.
Height overall: 93 inches (236 cms). Ref 4926
*‘Empire State of Mind’. Jay-Z, 2010.
www.pullmangallery.com 35 Horse Power
36 PULLMAN Issue No: 41 ‘Ben Hur’: a magnificent, large Art Deco a leading sculptor of the Art Deco movement, Literature: ‘Art Deco and other Figures’ by bronze sculpture capturing the drama of and created a number of memorable Modernist Bryan Catley, published 1977. charioteers and horses at breakneck speed, works. His rendering of the famous chariot retaining original patine to the bronze. Signed contest ‘twixt Judah Ben Hur and Marsalen, Length: 34 inches (85 cms). GIRAUD RIVIÈRE to the sôcle, circa 1926, his Roman adversary, was inspired by the and mounted on original green marble plinth. original 1925 production of ‘Ben Hur’ by Cecil Toulouse-born Maurice Giraud-Rivière (1881- B. de Mille, the first epic movie and a seminal 1938) has achieved a position of high regard as moment in Hollywood history. Ref 4983
www.pullmangallery.com 37 Tim Birkin’s Blower Bentley on the Members’ Banking, 1932’. Exceptional, original oil on canvas, by Roy Nockolds, signed and dated 1947, depicting the legendary Sir Henry ‘Tim’ Birkin in the supercharged, single-seater ‘Blower’ Bentley taking the lap-record on the Members’ or ‘Home’ banking at Brooklands in March 1932.
38 Birkin made his debut on the Weybridge track and, quoting the Manchester Guardian, “Of all his brilliant deeds, the lap record he set at Brooklands in March 1932 was undoubtedly the finest”. The racing baronet, only inches from the outer rim of the banking, achieved a remarkable average speed of 137.96 per hour. Birkin, who died the following year, aged 36, is remembered as one of the most daring and sporting of ‘racing motorists’ in the Brooklands pantheon. Dimensions: 25 x 39 inches (64 x 99 cms). Ref 4949 39 40 PULLMAN Issue No: 41 Fast forward: a fine representation of the model-making craft in the form ofa Jaguar ‘C’ Type by Bruno Colombi, a meticulously detailed aluminium-bodied model, fitted with leather bonnet straps, spoked wheels and spinners, authentic dashboard instrumentation and leather upholstery.
Sir William Lyons, founding chairman of Jaguar, knew that scene-stealing styling and international racing success sold motor cars. The 3,442cc ‘C’ (for Competition) - Type owed its origins to the XK120 and placed first atLe Mans in 1951. Two years later at the Sarthe circuit, the works C-Types finished first, second and fourth, confounding the team efforts of Ferrari and Mercedes. A total of 52 C-Types were built. Unique Le Mans, 1951. piece, commissioned by Pullman Gallery in 2011. Ref 4997
Length: 40 inches (100 cms) overall.
www.pullmangallery.com 41 Indubitable Dexter Brown
(Above) ‘Aston Martin DBR1, Tony Brooks, Nürburgring 1957’: large, original painting by Dexter Brown (English, born 1942), dated 2011. The DBR1 was the most successful of Aston Martin racing cars in the 20th century. “Aston Martin”, reported Autocar “is high on the list of the world’s most desirable grand touring cars”. Dimensions: 72 x 48 inches (183 x 122 cms). Ref 4935
Ref 5018
Ref 5017
42 PULLMAN Issue No: 41 (Above) ‘Ferrari 250 Testa Rossa, Phil Hill Le Mans, 1958’: Original painting, acrylic on canvas, by Dexter Brown, dated 2011. Florida-born Phil Hill was the first American to win Le Mans (driving to victory through rain of Biblical proportions). “Ferrari demanded a lot” remarked engineer Gian Paulo Dallara. “He was a racer – he was just interested in winning”. Dimensions: 60 x 46 inches (153 x 117 cms). Ref 4922
Ref 5019 Ref 5020
(Above, from left to right): a group of four watercolours depicting dramatic scenes at Brooklands, including the immortal Napier-Railton, holder since 1935, of the all-time lap record at the circuit at 143.44 mph, and legendary Speed Six and 4½ litre ‘Blower’ Bentleys. Each signed de Bruyne mounted, framed and glazed.
www.pullmangallery.com 43 Ref 4726
Ref 4727
Few automobile manufacturers enjoy such a reputation as Rolls-Royce, whose Spirit of Ecstasy mascot defines the very essence of the brand. “Everyone who buys the best things” wrote press magnate Lord Northcliffe, “buys only Rolls-Royce”.
The Spirit of Ecstasy was a special commission from Rolls-Royce, finely rendered in 1911 by Royal Academician Charles Sykes (1875-1950). A decade and a half later, the company elected to surmount the mascot in scaled down form on a Sterling silver cigar ashtray sent as a Christmas gift to 100 selected individuals listed in the maker’s enviable address book. In the years following, until 1937 (1931 was the exception), Spirit of Ecstasy would provide the leitmotif for a unique series of Sterling silver desk pieces. All eleven individually hallmarked pieces comprising the Desk Set - a different piece for every year - were exclusive gifts, never sold.
Illustrated is an impressive display of pieces from the set, prized by Bonbonniere: Sterling silver bonbon dish, the top supported by a Spirit of collectors and enthusiasts for their rarity, and revered for quality expressive Ecstasy mascot standing on a circular stepped base. Height: 5 inches (13 of the makers of “The Best Car in the World”. cms). Bearing monogram ‘A.P.G’. Hallmarked London, 1930. Ref 4726
Desk blotter: Sterling silver desk blotter affixed with Spirit of Ecstasy Inkwell: Sterling silver inkwell in the form of a free-standing Rolls-Royce shaped handle that unscrews for fitment of blotting paper. Bearing radiator expansion tank, topped by a miniature Spirit of Ecstasy mascot monogram ‘A.P.G’. Length: 5½ inches (14 cms). Hallmarked London, and opening to reveal a glass liner. Height: 3½ inches (9 cms). Hallmarked 1932. Ref 4727 London 1929. Ref 4950
44 PULLMAN Issue No: 41 Ref 4951
Ref 4728
Ref 4950
Ref 4939
Cigarette box: Sterling silver cigarette box with hinged lid, the top Time and Again: a fine and rare silver Rolls-Royce desk clock ranking etched with a profile of the Spirit of Ecstasy, reprised in shadow profile, as a special commission from Breitling and styled as a classic Rolls the boxwood interior fitted with adjustable compartments. Length: Royce radiator, with kneeling ‘Spirit of Ecstasy’ mascot serving as winder. 7 inches (18 cms). Hallmarked London, 1928. Ref 4951 A timepiece with an eight-day Breitling movement, square face with gilt hands and hour-markers, complete with a dark blue, leather presentation Table lighter: Sterling silver ‘Pillar Box’ table lighter on hexagonal case, circa 1950. Ref 4939 stepped base, with novel spherical sprung cap, hinged to reveal a spirit cigar lighter, the whole surmounted by a Spirit of Ecstasy mascot. Height: 7 inches (18 cms). Hallmarked London, 1934. Ref 4728
www.pullmangallery.com 45 Century. Conservation linen th ‘Étoile du Nord’ . Exceptional original
Art Deco poster dated 1939. Conservation ‘Normandie-The World’s ‘Normandie-The Most World’s Perfect Ship’, an original mounted and unframed. Dimensions: 40 x 25 inches (100 64 cms). Ref 5010 poster dated 1927 by arguably the greatest poster designer of the 20 A. M (Adolphe Mouron) ‘Cassandre’ (French, 1901-1968): Herkomer: linen mounted, framed and glazed. Framed dimensions: 32 x 46 inches (81 117 cms). Ref 4936 Linen mounted and mounted Linen circa 1931. Linen mounted and unframed. Dimensions: ’. Rare original poster dated 1930. dated poster original Rare Express ’. Pullman Mountain, Golden ‘Les Trains du Soleil – Côte d’Azur, Hivers Chauds, du Été Soleil Secs’. – Original Côte poster d’Azur, depicting ‘Les the Trains coastal Graph: train route from Marseille to Menton. 40 x 25 inches (100 64 cms). Ref 4204 French, (1883-1953) ‘ Broders Roger unframed. Dimensions: 40 x 25 inches (100 64 cms). Ref 5011
46 PULLMAN Issue No: 41 ’. Rare, original Bugatti factory poster dated 1932. Gerold Hunziker aka ‘Gerold’ (1894-1980): ‘ Bugatti ’. Rare, Linen mounted, framed and glazed. Framed dimensions: 51 x 36 inches (128 91 cms). Ref 4908 , original poster, Italian dated 1931. ‘Meeting International de Canots Automobiles, Gardone Riviera’ , original poster, Linen mounted, framed and glazed. Dimensions: 40 x 30 inches (100 70 cms) Ref 3056 Linen mounted and mounted Linen ’. Rare original poster dated 1930. dated poster original Rare Express ’. Pullman Mountain, Golden unframed. Dimensions: 40 x 25 inches (100 64 cms). Ref 5011 Vladimir Polunin (1880-1957): ‘Summer Nights, London Underground’. Original poster dated 1930. Conservation linen mounted and unframed. Dimensions: 40 x 25 inches (100 64 cms). Ref 4817 original poster dated 1932. Linen mounted, Roberto Falcucci (1900-1989): ‘ Monaco Grand Prix, 1932’. Rare, framed and glazed. Framed dimensions: 53 x 37 inches (135 94 cms). Ref 4913 Roger Broders (1883-1953) ‘ Broders Roger
www.pullmangallery.com 47 Pour le Sport
The Dreyfus Trophy: a monumental, ornate Sterling silver trophy by Walker & Hall, the domed circular cover with raised centre, chased with fruiting laurel above an applied cut-card inscription and a band of lotus, with laurel wrapped rim and handles, the campana shaped bowl on four conforming reeded supports, concluding in laurel bosses and acanthus scrolls.
The broad circular base is applied with cast silver figures representing the sporting life: cricket, tennis, football and ice hockey, the whole mounted on a circular silver base with decorative band, and set on ebonized turned wooden plinth. Hallmarked Sheffield, 1954. Ref 4957
Height: 24 inches (61 cms).
From humble beginnings in their father’s garden shed in Basel, Switzerland in 1904 Camille and Henri Dreyfus developed cellulose acetate production into a worldwide industry.
It was the product’s initial application as lacquer or ‘dope’ for coating the fabric of early aeroplanes which saw Camille Dreyfus invited to England by the government in 1914 and thus laid the foundations for what was to become British Celanese Ltd, with its iconic Derby factory and later the Celanese Corporation of America and its massive plant in Cumberland, Maryland.
48 PULLMAN Issue No: 41 www.pullmangallery.com 49 Case study
Ref 4941
Ref 4750
Ref 4928
Ref 2895
Ref 2166
Ref 2991
Ref 2901 A collection of superb crocodile cigar and cigarette cases by Cartier, Asprey and Fortnum and Mason. Please contact us for individual details or alternatively, view the items on our website at www.pullmangallery.com.
50 PULLMAN Issue No: 41 Grand Design
(Above) Louis Vuitton, Paris: a very stylish paperweight modelled as a ‘Monogramme’ courier trunk, modelled after the famous ‘Miss France’ trunk, a VIP gift, made for special clients of Vuitton, and not made for retail, much like the iconic ‘Malle Fleurs’ of the 1920s.
These paperweights bear all the fine details of the life-size trunks; from the straps and handles, latches, nails and buckles, and ‘Miss France’ ID marks to each end, and travel label to the top, complete with its original Vuitton gift box. Of recent manufacture.
Length: 6 x 3 inches (15 x 8 cms). Ref 5000
(Right) ‘Porthole’: a substantial, special order 1970s Champagne cooler by Louis Vuitton, the barrel form covered in signature ‘Monogramme’ patterned canvas with tan leather strap detailing. The chrome-plated ‘porthole’ with glass window and lift-out liner and interior bearing leather Vuitton label. French, circa 1975.
Height: 20 inches (51 cms). Ref 4944
www.pullmangallery.com 51 Carried away: in remarkable, original condition trays for boots and accessories, with all brass and rare in the extreme, a ‘Malle Chaussures’ fittings and looped handles, circa 1920. (shoe trunk) accommodating 30 pairs of shoes in individual boxes with ancillary drawers and Height: 45 inches (114 cms). Ref 4934
52 PULLMAN Issue No: 41 (Above) Louis Vuitton: another extreme rarity, this ‘Haute Courrier’ trunk in the rare Rayées (Stripe) pattern canvas, with all brass fittings, leather trim and brass handles. French, circa 1880s.
Length: 100 cms (40 inches). Note: at 70 cms (28 inches) in height, this is the tallest model of courier trunk Vuitton made. Ref 4994
(Right) Case History: a superior example of the definitive and highly useable ‘Cube’ trunk covered in classic Vuitton ‘Monogramme’ fabric. Entirely original, retaining all-leather trim, with brass handles, corners and locks. French, circa 1925.
Length: 24 inches (60 cms). Ref 4763
www.pullmangallery.com 53 Ref 4397
Ref 4967
Two of the finest and rarest Vuitton pieces we have ever seen in these ‘Malles Haute Courrier’, finished in the ultimate specification, natural pigskin. At around five times the cost of the ‘Monogramme’ canvas, all- leather trunks were available by special order only. Their fragile nature has resulted in a very low survival rate, especially in superb, original condition such as these. Both examples, circa 1910.
Ref 4397 Dimensions: 44 x 28 x 24 inches (110 x 70 x 60 cms) Ref 4967 Dimensions: 40 x 28 x 24 inches (100 x 70 x 60 cms).
54 PULLMAN Issue No: 41 Ref 4912
Louis Vuitton’s ‘Damier’ (checkered) pattern canvas was in use for only Ref 4911 a few years until being withdrawn in favour of the LV ‘Monogramme’ pattern in 1896. Dating from around 1890, these two ‘Malles Courrier’ are in impeccable condition, and include desirable ‘upgrades’ such as brass handles and multiple slatting, both costly options when new.
Ref 4912 Dimensions: 44 x 27 x 24 inches (110 x 69 x 60 cms) Ref 4911 Dimensions: 35 x 21 x 20 inches (90 x 53 x 50 cms).
www.pullmangallery.com 55 56 PULLMAN Issue No: 41 (Opposite) A ‘new’, 1939 ‘Malle Armoire’!: a very special offering, this stunning trunk was manufactured in 1939 but not retailed until 1947. Intended for a customer in the United States but never shipped, this trunk remained wrapped, stored and unused until we acquired it this year. Apart from polishing the brass and feeding the leather, nothing else was required and this time-warp piece is offered in ‘as-new-in-1939’ condition. A unique opportunity. Height: 45 inches (114 cms). Ref 4880
(Right) Another remarkable piece, this rare, circa 1920 example of the ‘Malle Armoire Grande Modele’, has retained all its original fittings and is in an incredible original state of preservation. Height: 44 inches (112 cms), width: 22 inches (56 cms) and depth: 30 inches (76 cms). Ref 4681
www.pullmangallery.com 57 No Mr. Bond - I expect you to play!
Circa 1957 Eavestaff ‘Minipiano’ and the keyboard that made history, used by Monty Norman to compose the signature theme music for James Bond, arranged by John Barry. A former big-band singer, Monty Norman later composed scores for a series of West End musical hits. 007 producer ‘Cubby’ Broccoli, who admired Norman’s score for ‘Belle’, hired him to write the music for the first James Bond film, ‘Dr.No’. Born Monty Noserovitch, the musician’s biography was intriguingly titled ‘A Walking Stick Full of Bagels’. Serial Number 177650. A written statement signed by Monty Norman affirms the instrument’s provenance. Ref 5016
Width: 55 inches (140 cms).
58 PULLMAN Issue No: 41 Faites vos jeux, Mesdames, Messieurs...
Wheel of Fortune: a rare, Art Deco ‘roulette de salon’ with rosewood stand and stained wood numerals. Height: 35 inches (89 cms), diameter: 27½ inches (70 cms). French circa 1930s. Ref 4970
www.pullmangallery.com 59 Art Déco Magnificence
60 PULLMAN Issue No: 41 Bronze Age: Two Panthers, a powerfully expressive Art Deco patinated bronze and marble sculpture set on a bronze sôcle by André-Vincent Becquerel. Acknowledged as a sculptor of considerable natural ability, he was strongly influenced by Rembrandt Bugatti and was described in the 1930s as ‘Bugatti in all but name’. French, circa 1930. Ref 4946
Length: 31 inches (78 cms). www.pullmangallery.com 61 Browning version
62 PULLMAN Issue No: 41 (Above) a truly rare double life-size model of the B.A.R or Browning automatic rifle, manufactured for the instruction of US Navy recruits in the weapon’s functions, disassembly and re-assembly, cleaning and maintenance methods. A fully restored and overhauled example, re-polished to original steel and aluminium, the ‘magazine’ contains several rounds of oversized green ‘dummy’ bullets, and the weapon rests on a tailor-made stand that converts into a travelling case. Bearing the plaque ‘Manufactured by J.H.Keeney & Co. Inc, 2600 W 50th Street, Chicago 32 IL, CAL 30m – 1918 – A2, Department of Navy Training Aid Rifle, Marine Corps’. American, circa 1935. Ref 5013
Length: 95 inches (242 cms).
(Above) a rarely seen and unusual double-life-size training model of a BROWNING model M1919 A6 machine gun, a training model manufactured to instruct US trainee military in the working operation of the weapon, its moving parts, disassembly and re-assembly, cleaning and maintenance methods. Comprising identical moving parts to the original, the double- life-size training model is correct in every detail, completely restored and overhauled, and polished back to its original aluminium and steel finish. American, circa 1935. Ref 5014
Length: 75 inches (190 cms).
www.pullmangallery.com 63 Global
A finely rendered aluminium globe of large proportions, comprising a revolving aluminium cage, with applied continental landmass in brushed aluminium. The sphere mounted on a central support with hardwood base. American, late 20th century. Ref 5012
Height overall: 59 inches (50 cms), diameter: 36 inches (92 cms).
64 PULLMAN Issue No: 41 Jaeger Le Coultre: super-rare, ‘Globe’ timepiece, rotating and illuminating upon a octagonal slate base. French, circa 1930. Height:10 inches (25 cms). Ref 4868
www.pullmangallery.com 65 The long view
All-seeing: a rare discovery in the form of a pair of historic wartime Nikko long-range binoculars of massive 40 x 140 specification, completely stripped and re-polished back to the original metal, with polished metal base of binnacle form and fully adjustable. Significantly, the only 40 x 140 pair we have ever seen, circa 1940s. Ref 4906
Height on stand: 60 inches (153 cms) (approx), length of binoculars: 47 inches (120 cms).
66 PULLMAN Issue No: 41 Telescopic: outstanding and massive polished steel and brass telescope by Unitron of D100 mm F1500 mm specification, mounted on a modern ebonized wooden tripod with brass detailing, featuring a series of dials for accurate adjustment, and spirit level affixed to gauge instrument level. Unitron, founded in North America in 1952, were renowned for supplying high-quality optical instruments of superior metal and wood construction, produced by Nikon Seiko, Japan. American, circa 1950s. Ref 4995
Length: 60 inches (153 cms), height on tripod: 100 inches (254 cms).
www.pullmangallery.com 67 Paris-Madrid 1903
‘Gabriel sur Mors’ an important, historic Art Nouveau gilded bronze depicting Fernand Gabriel on the 60hp ‘Dauphin’ Mors, leading the ill- starred Paris-Madrid race, May 1903, and defined by an allegorical dust cloud to the rear.
This rare bronze was created in 1904 by the esteemed French sculptor Paul Moreau-Vauthier (1871-1936) in the aftermath of a dust-scarred race that claimed hundred of fatalities and injuries, and that was halted by French authorities at Bordeaux. Henceforth, motor sport was banned in France until 1906, resuming exclusively on closed circuits. Gabriel sur Mors, Paris-Madrid race, May 1903. Moreau-Vauthier’s distinguished career terminated in a fatal road accident on the Paris-Bordeax route in 1936.
Length: 7½ inches (19 cms). Ref 2719
Provenance: James Barron Collection.
68 PULLMAN Issue No: 41