An Extraordinary French Art Deco Casket — 1930s/1940s
This is an absolute jewel of early 20th-century French craftsmanship: an authentic, heavy gold-plated metal cigarette box / desk casket featuring a spectacular, highly stylized Art Deco winged horse (Pegasus) bas-relief on a rich, vibrant fire-red enamel background.
Stamped underneath with the official French atelier "Single M in a rhombus" hallmark, this casket is a magnificent example of high-end French eclectic metalwork, perfectly capturing the transition era between late Art Deco geometry and Classical Revival styles.
This is not a common mass-produced item.
THE ARTISTIC CONTRAST
· This casket stands out due to a deliberate, high-end artistic contrast that rejects the uniform look of cheaper imports:
· The Lid (Art Deco Influence): The central motif is treated as a flat, highly stylized bidimensional silhouette, featuring a bold geometric circular medallion on its flank and a dramatic, swirling stylized tail. The bold gold figure against the glassy red enamel honors the Eastern lacquer-work techniques that captivated European ateliers in the 1930s. The border features a crisp, geometric overlapping arch (guilloché) pattern
· The Base & Feet (French Rocaille Style): In sharp, beautiful contrast to the geometric lid, the lower body and corner feet embrace the classic, high-relief fluid lines of French Rocaille / Louis XV leaf scrolls. This sophisticated blend of structural styles defines elite European studio production from the 1930s/1940s transition period
EXQUISITE CRAFTSMANSHIP
· The Inside: Lined with its original, fully removable solid natural wood, designed to regulate humidity for luxury tobacco
· Dual-Size Smart Storage: The interior usable space was brilliantly engineered for the era's tobacco standards. Long filter cigarettes fit perfectly one way, while short, vintage non-filter cigarettes fit perfectly in the opposite direction
· The Bottom: Features a sophisticated hand-hammered pattern surrounding the crisp, authentic "M" inside a rhombus hallmark stamp
· The Hinge: Industrial-grade, flush-mounted full-length hinge. Closes with absolute precision and satisfying weight
PROVENANCE & HISTORIC CHARM
This magnificent casket comes from a private European collection and was originally used as an active tobacconiana piece — it was found with remnants of vintage tobacco still inside. The natural tobacco oils have beautifully seasoned and preserved the inner solid wood lining over the decades.
It has been gently dry-cleaned, keeping its timeless vintage soul and rich patina completely intact. Ready to host premium jewelry, watches, or executive desk accessories.
SPECIFICATIONS
· Origin: France (Atelier Production — Hallmarked Single M in a Rhombus)
· Era: Circa late 1930s / 1940s
· Material: Heavy-gauge gold-plated metal alloy, glass enamel, solid wood lining
· External Dimensions: 11 × 9 × 5 cm (4.3 × 3.5 × 2.0 inches)
· Internal Usable Space: 9.2 × 7.3 cm (3.6 × 2.8 inches)
· Condition: Excellent vintage condition with original patina intact
PERFECT FOR
· Collectors of French Art Deco and early 20th-century decorative arts
· Those seeking a rare, hallmarked piece with original wood lining
· A distinguished addition to any desk or collection of tobacconiana
Distributed by Mireille Boutique and personally chosen by Diego Casella.
SHIPPING
Express shipping with secure packaging.
Sold by MireilleBoutique