Research
Of ebonized wood and silver. The laminated square top set with a recessed system of Renaissance inspired silver raised ornament including grotesques, baldachins, lambrequin, and ewers, etc. The top opens to reveal a separate metal cover with finely cast drop handle. The inner metal with adjustable divisions. The four sides with boarders of continuous floral tied swags enclosing panels with mounts representing Renaissance helmets.
Marks:
Signed E.F. Caldwell & Co. Inc. New York.
This box was designed and retailed by Edward F. Caldwell in the first quarter of the twentieth century. Described as a “cigar and cigarette box,” the entry for the piece in the Caldwell account books, No. 22351, is dated August 12, 1912 and indicates that it was designed by a ‘Mr. Etesse,’ whose name appears throughout the Caldwell ledgers in the beginning of the 20th century. It is listed as a sample object for the showroom, indicating that it was not designed for a particular client. The corresponding photographs and design drawing for the box are held in the E. F. Caldwell & Co. Collection.
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