282 the Streetcar Named Desire Jewel Case 283
282 ASPREY, LONDON established 1781 The Streetcar Named Desire Jewel Case stamped Asprey, London crocodile skin, gold-velvet, brass and canvas the lid gilt-tooled ‘V. L. O. / 12th October 1949’, with a velvet lined interior and lift-out fitted tray, fitted with brass locks signed ‘Bramah / 11 Old Bond Street W.I / Joseph Bramah’, including a protective canvas cover 11 by 31.5 by 24cm., 4¼ by 12¼ by 9½in. Made circa 1949. 282 detail of top showing gilt-tooling PROVENANCE Probably a gift to Vivien Leigh on the 12 October 1949, the opening night of A Streetcar Named Desire at the Aldwych Theatre, London. This was directed by Laurence Olivier, whom was possibly the giver of this present. The performance starred Bonar Colleano, Renee Asherson with Vivien Leigh in the title role of Blanche DuBois. The presentation of this jewel case on the opening night of the theatrical production of Tennessee Williams’ play A Streetcar Named Desire could well be a subtle reference to Blanche DuBois, the central character. In the play Blanche arrives at her sister, Stella’s, in New Orleans, with a large quantity of luggage. These suitcases and trunks are important props as they represent the trappings of a former more youthful life, a happier period with Blanche as a glamorous Southern belle. Ⴚ£ 800-1,200 € 900-1,350 US$ 1,100-1,600 282 283 VIVIEN’S POWDER COMPACT enamel, glass the exterior applied with stripes of blue enamel, the hinged lid opening to reveal a mirror and powder compartment. approximately 75 by 56 by 27mm £ 1,500-2,000 € 1,700-2,250 US$ 2,000-2,650 283 284 THREE COMMEMORATIVE COINS, ISLE OF MAN 1965 set of three gold coins, Isle of Man, Bicentenary of the Revestment Act 1965, including five-pounds, a Sovereign and a half Sovereign, uncased, gross weight approximately 53 grams; together with a half-crown from the Republic of Ireland, dated 1959.
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