Lot 202
American Silver and Turquoise Mounted Elephant Hide Document Case, Tiffany & Co., New York, N.Y., for the World’s Columbian Exposition, Chicago, 1893
Lot 202 Details
American Silver and Turquoise Mounted Elephant Hide Document Case, Tiffany & Co., New York, N.Y., for the World’s Columbian Exposition, Chicago, 1893
of rectangular shape, the frame engraved with scrolling leaves and set with turquoise cabochons
11" x 6" — 28 x 15 cm.
Estimate $1,000-$1,500
Additional Images
Literature:
The Watchmaker, Jeweller and Silversmith, 2nd September, 1889, reported that the hide of the celebrated elephant, Forepaugh, had been acquired by Tiffany & Co... “It has been tanned and cleaned in Philadelphia, and will be made up by this enterprising concern into pocket-books and valises.”
Note:
Contains material which may be subject to import/export regulation
CONDITION DETAILS
A small area of degradation to leather either side of the clasp and minor cracks to folds; otherwise substantially in good condition; silver well marked inside the clasp; leather stamped with makers’ marks on the interior, including globe mark, also with ELEPHANT EAR at the hinge.
http://www.925-1000.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=17031&start=40
“The hide of the giant elephant Forepaugh, who had a record of killing ten men, and whom it was found necessary to strangle to death, by reason of his vicious habits, is now exposed in Tiffany's window. Union Square, New York. It has been tanned and cleaned in Philadelphia, and will be made up by this enterprising concern into pocket-books and valises.”
The Watchmaker, Jeweller and Silversmith, 2nd September, 1889