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Paul Flato Gold and Enamel Compacts

One of the most creative jewelers of the 20th century, Paul Flato, created these gold compacts
Each is decorated in a whimsical trompe-l'œil letter motif with engraved addresses and enamel stamps
Varying in size and shape, two of the custom boxes are cosmetics compacts, and one hides a watch
Crafted of 14K yellow gold
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$62,500

Item No. 31-4308

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Description

Elegant yet whimsical, these vintage gold and enamel compacts by American designer to the stars Paul Flato are decorated with a trompe-l'œil letter motif. Cleverly crafted in high polish 14K yellow gold in the shape of an envelope, each displays witty and intricate details, from the engraved script address and enamel postage stamp on the front, to the red "wax seal" on the reverse. Varying in size and shape, two of the custom boxes are cosmetics compacts, one with a hidden mirror. The third box conceals a small clock, for an inventive take on the pocket watch.

One of the most creative American jewelers of the 20th century, Paul Flato’s creations reflect his charismatic and stylish personality. Born in Flatonia, Texas to a cattle ranching family, Flato moved to New York in the 1920s. By the 1930s he had opened two jewelry shops, one in Los Angeles and one in New York City. He soon attracted the attention of the A-listers of the "Golden Age" of Hollywood, and his clients included Joan Crawford, Ginger Rogers and Marlene Dietrich.

All crafted of 14K yellow gold and signed “Flato.”

Dated 1938

Watch compact: 1 5/8" wide x 1 1/8" deep
Long compact: 4 5/8" wide x 1 1/8" deep
Large compact: 2 7/8" wide x 2 3/8" deep

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Specifications

Period:	20th Century
Origin:	America
Type:	Decorative Boxes
Depth:	2.38 in. (6.03 cm)
Width:	2.88 in. (7.3 cm)
Height:	0.38 in. (0.95 cm)

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At Antiquira, we are committed to building a long-term, rewarding relationship with each and every client. That’s why your purchase is backed by our 125% guarantee.

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The Antiquira Difference

At Antiquira, we believe that antiques are not merely objects they are vessels of history, craftsmanship, and soul. Our philosophy is rooted in a commitment to curating timeless pieces that carry stories worth preserving, and presenting them with integrity, expertise, and personal attention. We see every client relationship as a partnership in stewardship, ,where trust, knowledge, and passion guide every exchange. Our goal is simple: to offer not just the rarest and most exceptional items, but also a buying experience as enduring and refined as the treasures we provide.

-Katie Phillips, Owner

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Antiquira is committed to offering fine art of the highest caliber and we seek paintings and sculpture by historically renowned artists, often with impressive provenance. The large majority of our works of art come from private collections; many are fresh to the market. Founded on Katie Phillips’s expertise in the field, our specialisms range from Old Master pictures to Modern Art masterpieces. We regularly exhibit Dutch, Flemish, and Italian Old Masters, Academic, Orientalist, Barbizon, Impressionist, Post-Impressionist, Maritime & Sporting, British Neoclassical and American Illustration.

Our experienced fine art consultants offer personalized and confidential fine art consultation services to all clients. Whether you are looking to begin collecting art, grow an existing collection, or redefine your collecting strategy, Antiquira can support you on this journey.

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For more than a century, Antiquira has offered clients a superb selection of the highest quality jewelry. From the rarest colored diamonds, to the most sublime gemstones, to the most exquisite designer jewelry, Antiquira houses an extraordinary collection of fine jewels to satisfy the most discerning collector. Stunning creations by Tiffany & Co., Cartier, Van Cleef & Arpels, Harry Winston and Patek Philippe are offered alongside extreme rarities such as vivid yellow, pink and blue diamonds, coveted Burma and Kashmir sapphires and elusive Golconda diamonds prized for their fire and perfection. Iconic jewels from the Art Deco, Edwardian, Art Nouveau and Victorian periods round out the collection.

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Since 1923, Antiquira has been recognized as a leader in the antiques industry and today our collections of rare silver, furniture, clocks, porcelain, glass and objets d'art are second to none. Our commitment to curating the world’s most extraordinary and beautiful treasures has remained steadfast and our acquisition philosophy is simple: seek out and acquire only the very finest works whose provenance, beauty and rarity set them apart from all others. Our clients can be certain that each and every piece in our gallery has been hand-selected and carefully vetted for authenticity, condition and provenance. And, because our network of contacts spans generations, we are often able to acquire pieces that may have otherwise never been available on the market.

Whether you are just starting your collection, adding to an existing collection or even decorating your home, our team’s knowledge and experience can assist you in your endeavor. We have services and procedures in place to make your acquisition process both enjoyable and efficient.