A rare American Art Deco catalin and silverplate Special Line 'Preference Chest' cigarette box Designed by Albert Feinauer for Barbour Silver Company, Hartford, CT, circa 1929-31#5085, with divided cedrela lined interior height 2in (5cm); length 10in (25.5cm); depth 3 1/2in (9cm) Other Notes: Albert Feinauer (1886-1955) was a German designer, jeweler and silversmith who worked with the top Weimer Republic artists during his affiliation with the Deutsche Werkbund and tenures at the Bauhaus and Georg Jensen Silversmithy before emigrating to the United States in 1925. He began working with the Barbour division of the International Silver Company in 1928. His portfolio of ‘Special Line’ pieces reflected the cutting edge European art movements of Arts & Crafts, Art Deco, Cubism and other Machine Age aesthetics. The series included tea services, lighting, cocktail and smoking accessories, pitchers, bowls and centerpieces. The introduction of Feinauer’s ‘Special Line’ coincided with the Wall Street crash of 1929 and was released with insufficient advertising and exposure due to financial constraints. International Silver Co. closed its Barbour factory in 1931.

Marked to underside. Mark double struck. Good condition overall. Typical light marks, scratches, rubbing and tarnishing commensurate with age and use. Interior clean and retains all dividers. No monograms or inscriptions. This Condition Report, which is for the use of the addressee only, is provided by Andrew Jones Auctions on behalf of the Seller free of charge. Andrew Jones Auctions is not entering into a contract with you in respect of the Condition Report and accordingly does not assume responsibility to you in respect of it, nor does the Seller owe or agree to owe you as a Bidder any obligation or duty with respect to this free report about the Lot. Andrew Jones Auctions Lots are sold "AS IS", with all faults, imperfections and possible adaptations or restorations. Condition Reports may not include all adaptations, alterations or faults. Our staff are not professional conservators or restorers. Illustrations and photographs contained in the Catalog or the Condition Report or elsewhere of any Lots are for identification purposes only. They may or may not reveal the true condition of the Lot. A photograph or illustration may or may not reflect an accurate reproduction of the color(s) of the Lot. Lots are available for inspection prior to the auction and it is strongly advised that you or your agent do so to satisfy yourself as to each and every aspect of a Lot, including that it will be free from pests, mold, staining, its authorship, attribution, condition, provenance, history, background, authenticity, style, period, age, suitability, measurements, quality, weight, origin, value and estimated selling price (including the Hammer Price and Buyer's Premium). It is your responsibility to examine any Lot in which you are interested. It should be remembered that the actual condition of a Lot may not be as good as that indicated by its outward appearance. In particular, parts may have been replaced or renewed and Lots may not be authentic or of satisfactory quality; the inside of a Lot may not be visible and may not be original or may be damaged, as for example where it is covered by upholstery or material. Given the age of many Lots they may have been damaged and or repaired and you should not assume that a Lot is in good condition. Fine art frames are not included in the estimate or purchase price of a Lot. Andrew Jones Auctions accepts no liability for fine art frames. Electronic, electrical or mechanical parts may not operate or may not comply with current statutory requirements. You should not assume that electrical items designed to operate on mains electricity will be suitable for connection to the mains electricity supply and you should obtain a report from a qualified electrician on their status before doing so. Such items which are unsuitable for connection are sold as items of interest or for display purposes only. If you yourself do not have expertise regarding a Lot, you should consult an advisor.