Line Vautrin
(1913-1997)
"La Reconnaissance est la Mèmoire du Coeur," circa 1950
Brass and enamel cigarette case with cork lining
Unmarked
Reads "La reconnaissance est la mèmoire du coeur," which translates to "gratitude is the memory of the heart," an adage credited to both Jean-Baptiste Massieu (1772-1846) and Hans Christian Andersen (1805-1875), and reportedly the d'Harnoncourt family motto
3.325" H x 5.25" W x 0.625" D
Provenance: The Artist
René d'Harnoncourt, acquired from the above
The Collection of Frederick W. Davis, gifted from the above
Private Collection, Northern California, by descent from the above

Overall good condition with scuffs and darkening/oxidation to brass commensurate with age. More concentrated wear and oxidation to edges and hinge area. Condition reports are offered as a courtesy and are typically published in Moran's catalogue or can be made available upon request. The absence of a condition report does not imply that an item is free from defects or restoration, nor does a reference to particular defects imply the absence of others. Buyers are responsible for determining to their own satisfaction the true nature and condition of any lot prior to bidding. Though buyers are not legally required to inspect lots prior to purchase, failure to do so may constitute a waiver of complaint that an item was not delivered in a condition equal to the existent condition at the auction.