Jewellery, Watches, Silver and Objects of Vertu

A large 18ct gold cigarette case by Louis Osman, 1973, of hinged slightly rounded rectangular form and plain polished finish, with slide action, hallmarked for London 1973, with maker’s mark ‘LO’, in original fitted cork travelling case, dimensions approximately 183 x 41 x 15mm. £18,000-£20,000




Please note ARR will apply to this lot (Artist’s Resale Rights).

This lot is to be sold as part of a special collection, Louis Osman: The Jenkins Family Collection.

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Collection

This case was commissioned in 1971 from Louis by Mrs Jenkins as a surprise Christmas gift for her husband Maurice. The case was made especially to accommodate 24 Benson & Hedges kingsize cigarettes, as favoured by Mr Jenkins. This commission gives a clear demonstration of Louis’ attention to detail; he wrote to Benson & Hedges to seek confirmation (which he received) that the dimensions of this particular cigarette would not be changing before finalising the design.
Louis designed the case to resemble a seamless block of gold with no visible clasp to open it, but this simplicity was deceptive; the sliding mechanism was technically very complicated. Initially there were some issues achieving the smooth slide action; as a result the case was remade in 1973. Since this final repair the case’s smooth slide action has remained fully operational.


“[Louis’] gold pieces show the softness and richness of this lovely metal, so often hidden nowadays beneath a hard commercial shine. Louis finds gold inspiring: he chooses the colours of his alloys, the organises his hammering and hand burnishing and strong shapes all with the same aim: to allow this noble metal to be itself.” Graham Hughes, Art Director of the Goldsmiths’ Company 1951 - 1980.


Exhibited:
Osman: An exhibition of the Works of Louis Osman, at Canons Ashby, Northamptonshire, 18 & 19 May 1974, exhibition catalogue no. 12.
A copy of this exhibition catalogue accompanies this lot together with further related correspondence.

General light surface wear, very slight gapping at one end of the hinge when closed.
Gross weight 438.3gm.

This lot is accompanied by original correspondence from Louis Osman to Mrs Jenkins:
A typed invoice, dated 22 December 1971.
A typed receipt for design costs, dated 22nd December 1971.
A letter discussing repair of the lighter and how work is proceeding on the cigarette case, dated 27 March 1973.
A letter with costs for additional work on cigarette case, amongst other things, dated 13 August 1973.
A short invoice for additional materials for the cigarette case, dated August 1973.
A compliments slip for interim payment for cigarette case and brooch, dated 14 August 1973,
A transcript of a letter (original currently lacking) apologising for the delay and explaining problems with solder, and thanking Mrs Jenkins for the loan of pieces for the ‘Cardiff exhibition’ and the exhibition at Goldsmiths’ Hall on 13-14 November, dated 4 October 1973.
A copy of an invitation to the Osman exhibition, at Canons Ashby, with hand written note verso, referring to cigarette case.
A copy of a typed valuation, including the cigarette case, dated 15 December 1976.
A copy of a hand written valuation, including the cigarette case, dated 26 April 1978.