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Sellers's Details

LJW ANTIQUES

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https://www.decorativecollective.com/dealers/ljw-antiques

Item Details

The angled perspective on this finely formed plaster bust of a naval officer is bizarrely captivating; his furrowed brow and steely-blue eyes almost follow you around. An advertising wall plaque for Senior Service cigarettes, I believe that these pieces were made by Leonardene Co. - a British manufacturer of decorative Art Deco plaster and gesso items founded in the 1920s by Italian expat. Giuseppe Leonardi.

Senior Service was a nickname for the Royal Navy. The cigarettes were launched in 1925 - a British brand of filterless cigarette. I believe that this wall plaque dates to the 1930s/'40s. These advertising pieces would have been primarily hung in pubs and bars - a sometimes 'rowdy' setting that in combination with an inherently vulnerable painted plaster surface means few survived in good order. This example is easily the most original I've seen - many have been subjected to some fairly appalling repairs / touch ups / repainting... Rather aptly the surface has yellowed with smoke staining and there are a few small marks / scratches but it has to be considered to be in very good order and really allows the quality of the moulding / decorating to be appreciated.

The bust can be hung using it's original hanging wire loop and displays beautifully. He would benefit from the addition of a cigarette being placed once hung. It measures 36cm high x 29cm wide x 10cm deep. 

• Period: 1930s/'40s
• • Price: £395.00
  • €456 Euro
  • $523 US Dollar
• Location: London
• • Dimensions: H: 36cm (14.17in)
  • W: 29cm (11.42in)
  • D: 10cm (3.94in)