French Art Deco Silver, Enamel, Coral & Diamond Compact Box By Augusta Peyroula

ANTIQUE VANITY CASE/COMPACT

A beautiful and good-quality piece made from silver, which has been enamelled on the exterior to imitate malachite. The clasp features a stylised carved coral section depicting flowers surrounded by diamonds. The clasp opens to reveal a gilt interior with a bevelled mirror and two compartments flanking a central lipstick holder.

Made by Auguste Peyroula (also sometimes spelt Peyroulx), who was a goldsmith, silversmith and jeweller operating in Paris from 1904-1937

This particular case was retailed by Joël Helft, 374 rue Saint-Honoré, Paris.

Peyroula was known as a high-quality maker of boxes and also made vanities for Cartier, Sandoz and Van Cleef & Arpels.

This example dates from the 1920s or possibly early 1930s, right in the heart of the Art Deco period.

French hallmarks present for silver and makers’ marks for Peyroula, it is also signed by the retailer ‘Joël Helft, Paris’.

For a similar box by Peyroula, please see lot 16 in Sotheby’s, Paris auction: ‘Orfèvrerie, Boîtes En Or Et Objets De Vitrine Argenterie’, where it sold on 03/05/2016 for 1,750 EUR plus commission:

https://www.sothebys.com/en/auctions/ecatalogue/2016/orfevrerie-boites-or-objets-vitrine-pf1602/lot.16.html

Overall, our example is in good vintage condition, everything works as it should, there is some wear throughout commensurate with age/use. There is a small ding to the enamel at the top left corner on the top and also a similar one to the left and side. Please see photos.

Approximate measurements 7.5cm wide x 4.4cm deep x 1.6cm high.