Pullman Gallery Issue No
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PULLMAN The magazine of the Pullman Gallery Issue No. 24 Snow biz: impressively vivid, über-rare 'Snowman' poster promoting the Engadine's premier resort, by Swiss artist Charles Kuhn (1901-1975). An important original poster, signed and dated 1928. Size: 51" x 36" (128 x 91 cm). Ref 2472. The World according to Pullman Welcome to the Pullman magazine. No publication ever stands still and this redesigned and expanded format, inspired by our 'conspicuously successful' (quoting one encouraging reader - thank you, Mark!) quarterly magazine, reflects our latest research. Research that showed that while there were many things you didn't want changed, you did want to see the widest possible variety of objets de luxe that our twin galleries have to offer, and of which we are justifiably proud. Virtuosity and diversity are the hallmarks of the new magazine. Once again, we feature a line-up of the most highly esteemed pieces that have achieved near perfection in design and functionality. Many, it must be said, of such aesthetic value that surely they have eliminated the possibility of improvement? Certainly, there is plenty of opportunity for Pullman readers in search of that special gift, that perfect object without which life would just not be complete... Foremost Swiss artist Charles Kuhn's genial 1928 St Moritz 'Snowman' image sets the scene for a series of rare winter sports posters of great imaginative variety. A select collection complemented by the powerful Challenge Rhoptix Trophy and a beguiling mix of Art Deco influenced ski figures - a reminder that 'Downhill' is indeed the apogee of events for the Alpine Set. At the same time, pleasures pursued by the Jet Set are represented by two outstanding models: a fabulous large-scale example of the Riva Aquarama, beloved of playboys everywhere, and a hand-crafted version of the Ferrari Tipo 250 GTO. No one has stamped his name so decisively on the automotive scene (with the exception of Henry Ford) more than Enzo Ferrari, and the 250 GTO remains one of the Commendatore's most covetable road cars. The 'Dixie Clipper', our latest unique commission from the brilliant John Elwell, recapturing the very essence of aviation's glamorous past, is a measure of his excellence as a model-maker. Equally www.pullmangallery.com memorable are a striking and very rare Coppa Schneider poster, François Bazin's fine Art Deco rendering of a First World War fighter pilot, a superbly restored SE-5A fighter aircraft propeller from the same conflict, another rare bronze RAF Operations Room sector clock, and a scarce bronze 'Scramble Bell' from 1939. A lavish Art Deco cigar box, presented by His Royal Highness the Prince of Wales (later King Edward VIII, and the Duke of Windsor), to the Duke of Sutherland, combines superior craftsmanship with the unmissable opportunity to own a gift touched by history. A rising interest in Soviet style poster art, now elevated to its rightful status among collectors, is reflected in the work of Russian supremo Victor Koretsky. Last but not least, we are pleased to present a unique grouping of vintage cocktail shakers - the very best examples of each classic style and period. Something for everyone? Probably not. Something for anyone with taste? We certainly hope so! Until next time, Simon Khachadourian 14 KING STREET 116 MOUNT STREET ST JAMES’S MAYFAIR LONDON SW1Y 6QU LONDON W1K 2NH TELEPHONE: (+44) 020 7930 9595 Email: [email protected] IssueWebsite: No: 20 www.pullmangallery.com Tippling and Temperance Liquid history: a handsome Sterling silver and enamel hipflask modelled on a Le Mans-winning Vintage Bentley radiator, with simulated quick- release cap, and fuel funnel. A unique one-off, created in 1980. Height 6" (15 cm). Ref 2722. A 1920s Japanese silver hipflask, profusely decorated with a dragon motif, using the repoussé technique, with hinged bayonet cap. Marked www.pullmangallery.com Samurai Shokai Yokohama. The 18th Century gentry popularised the hipflask, but its true origins are much earlier. Height 6" (23 cm). Ref 2170. Tiffany: Three Prohibition- era Sterling silver 2-pint hipflasks contained within a “Judge’s’ attaché case by Tiffany. The sale of hipflasks Distilled: essential indoor bar accessory in (and shakers) was the form of a stylish 1930s Art Deco silver- banned in certain US States during plated cocktail shaker. Turn the knob to Prohibition. reveal 25 classic recipes of the day. Height Height of each flask: 8" (20 cm). Ref 1712. 5" (14 cm). American ingenuity. Ref 2097. PULLMAN Issue No: 24 3 Mixology www.pullmangallery.com 4 PULLMAN Issue No: 24 www.pullmangallery.com Design mix: impressive line-up of some of the most sought-after cocktail shakers, unparalled in quality, rarity and diversity, and epitomising the glamour and jazziness of a golden age for the shaker in the last century. Pullman's selection of vintage Art Deco cocktail shakers and barware is the largest and finest available, extending to over 1,000 pieces. A few copies of the de luxe limited edition of 'The Cocktail Shaker' by Simon Khachadourian remain available - please enquire for details. PULLMAN Issue No: 24 5 Officer Class www.pullmangallery.com Old Croc: A small selection from our stock of sumptuous vintage crocodile cases, flasks and cigar accessories from the late 19th and early 20th Centuries, including a group of officers' flasks, an especially good silver and crocodile cigar box, a fine suitcase in virtually unused condition, and some highly usable cigar cases. Parisian: the very best in portable decanter sets. The three heavy crystal decanters retained in a loop-handled dark tan leather carrying case. Each decanter signed Hermès Paris and Baccarat, c.1960. Ref 1563; Paul Dupré-Lafon designed this elegant table lamp for the luxury maker. The square-sectioned stand finished in hand- stitched leather, the original Vaseline glass up-lighter and the original shade in parchment, with leather-trimmed edging. Signed Hermès Paris, c.1940s. Height overall: 22" (56 cm). Ref 1797. 6 PULLMAN Issue No: 24 Swing Time www.pullmangallery.com Match play: golf-inspired cocktail shakers and bar accessories to the fore (sic) and in an exclusive class of their own. (Clockwise, from left): A stylish chrome-mounted cocktail stick holder in the form of a golf ball, ‘flags’ enamelled and numbered. English, c.1930. Ref 1550; ruby glass shaker with Sterling silver overlay of ‘19th HOLE’ legend and clubhouse scene. American, c.1930. Ref 2609; ruby glass shaker with Sterling silver overlay depicting a period golfer, American, c.1935. Ref 2296; early hand-painted glass shaker with Sterling silver cap, the golfer pictured caught in mid-swing. American. c.1925. Ref 0912; an unusual golfing bar set comprising a bottle opener in the form of a golf putter and a set of six Sterling silver cocktail sticks in the form of golf clubs, with enamelled "19th HOLE" flag, English, c.1930s. Ref 1385; two sets of Sterling silver cocktail sticks, each resembling a set of golf clubs, complete with ‘bag’. Hallmarked Birmingham, 1928. Ref 2319; rare Sterling silver ‘Golf ball’ Unique cigarette lighter by Alfred Dunhill, hallmarked London 1973. Ref 1507. PULLMAN Issue No: 24 7 Princely Gift Princely Provenance: prized Art Deco Sterling silver cigar box by Crest detail Asprey, beautifully preserved, and of historical significance. The fluted exterior with applied 18-carat gold ‘E’ cipher of His Royal Highness the Prince of Wales (later Edward VIII, and, following his Abdication, www.pullmangallery.com Duke of Windsor). Lemon-gilt interior inscribed to ‘Geordie’, George Leveson-Gower, 5th Duke of Sutherland. Hallmarked Asprey, London 1919. Length 7" (18 cm). The gift box is said to have been given to the Duke to mark the Royal Tour of India in 1921. The motto, in translation, reads: as ‘Evil be to those who evil think’. Ref 2823. ‘Geordie’ Sutherland, owner of the vast Dunrobin estate, was a polo-playing companion of the future monarch. The 5th Duke owned numerous estates throughout the realm, including Stafford House, said to be London's most valuable property in 1914. Inscription detail Detail 8 PULLMAN Issue No: 24 Tuskmaster www.pullmangallery.com Proboscis: highly unusual and amusing 1920s cigar ashtray of Austrian origin, inspired by the lovable hoofed quadruped. Cut glass with silver-plated mounting and ivory tusks prominent. Diameter: 6" (15 cm). Ref 2820. Pullman's collection of unusual cigar smoking accessories is unrivalled. Red cap: fancy Art Soft option: another rarity Deco silver-plated in the form of a novel cigarette and silver soft-pack cigarette match book holder cover, engine-turned by Chase, in the finish to the casing, with form of a ‘Red-Cap’ a hinged-lid mechanism hotel bell-hop. for easy access to the Height 10" (26 cm). contents, the lid lifting American, c.1930. off for refilling. French, Ref 2183. c.1930. Ref 2301. PULLMAN Issue No: 24 9 GrandAward-winners Designs www.pullmangallery.com Detail Regalia: unique and massive ornamental Sterling silver mace of considerable interest. Chased with oak leaf sprays and acanthus leaves, the top decorated in relief with female heads and torso; engraved with the crest of a Lion Rampant (pushing a plough), all surmounted with prominent crown and cross finial, and intriguingly inscribed ‘Nosey Parker’. Hallmarked JHS, London 1936, Length 42" (107 cm). Ref 2774. A visible token of authority and power, the mace was originally a weapon, larger and heavier at one end, carried into battle by warrior bishops. Later favoured by jousting knights, and at the close of the Tudor period, chiefly ceremonial. Deco-rated: sizable solid Silver Art Deco-influenced trophy or vase, by Charles Boynton. The cup, fully hallmarked for 1924, raised on three angular supports on a domed circular base, illustrates the high degree of craftsmanship associated with the long-established English silversmith.