Louis W. Rice

from the Apollo "Skyscraper" line
comprising photograph frame, hand mirror, brush, compact, lidded box and vase

Richard Guy Wilson, Dianne H. Pilgrim, and Dickran Tashjian, The Machine Age in America 1918-1941, New York, 1986, p. 287 (for the mirror and brush)

Overall in very good original condition for the assembled set. Each of the pieces show minor scratches, dings, pitting and rubbing to surface. The hand mirror with more localized scratches and minor plating losses to the handle as seen in the catalogue illustration. This piece also has an area of adhesive residue to the back and has minor areas of oxidation scattered throughout. The mirror element appears to not be original as it is a slightly different shape and is currently not installed in the piece. With a single edge chip. The top of the frame with a screw hole that would have held the original mirror in place and currently lacking screw. The brush with similar isolated areas of plating loss and oxidation localized to the handle. The horsehair is intact and appears original. With and area of adhesive residue to the reverse. The covered dish has an amber glass base, which is in very good condition. The metal cover with only minor scratches. It is likely the circular threaded elements on the cover of the metal top (visible in the catalogue illustration) are likely for a missing handle. The vase with only minor surface scratches. With discoloration and minor areas of staining to the interior. The box is in overall in good condition with only minor surface scratches and minute nicks. The front edge of the top is slightly rough. The interior with some plating irregularities and areas of rubbing to the plating at the upper edges. The underside with scratches as expected with use. The surfaces of the silver frame have been lacquered. With minor surface scratches, pitting and nicks. The reverse of the frame with minor surface irregularities, rubbing and areas of slight color difference. The back of the frame is velvet, as is the leg. The velvet back of the frame appears original and is held in place along the top by two pins. The interior of the backing (which faces the glass) with some discoloration and one circular stain, measuring one inch in diameter, likely caused by liquid. With a small abraded area to the reverse. The proper right lower edge of the frame was recently damaged and has been professionally restored. The corner was bent and has been straightened, however there is a very slight dent that remains.
In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective qualified opinion.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.