Polo interest – A fine early 20^th century Art Deco sterling silver, gold, and lacquer cigarette box, Paris by Lacloche Frères, import marks for London 1929 by George Stockwell

Of rectangular form with a hinged lid with curved edges. The front and back with applied stepped panels with applied yellow gold strip sections and pellets. The lid with an inlaid yellow gold scene of two polo players on horseback mid-game, all reserved with black lacquer, signed to lower right Dubund (?). Gilt interior. The interior of the lid engraved 1 er Janvier 1930. French assay marks to base bezel and lid thumbpiece, import marks to the base bezel only, the front signed LACLOCHE FRÈRES. Housed within a modern fitted leather case branded for LACLOCHE FRÈRES, PARIS.

Box length – 16.2 cm / 6.4 inches

Weight – 580 grams / 18.65 ozt

Case length – 21.1 cm / 8.55 inches

Provenance: sold Sotheby’s New York, 27 March 2009, lot 132 ($10,000)

Another example by Lacloche of this design on a cigarette case, Hôtel des ventes de Monte-Carlo, 18 July 2023, lot 80