THE GOLD CIGARETTE CASE, CARTIER, LONDON, 1934

The rectangular case with diagonal reeded decoration, the interior inscribed: David. 29 11. 34. George, measurements approximately: length 107mm, width 76mm, depth approximately 8mm, maker's marks JC for Jacques Cartier, British hallmarks for London, 1934.

Cf: Sotheby's, The Jewels of the Duchess of Windsor, Geneva, Friday 3rd April 1987, Lot 186.

Cf: A King's Story, The Memoirs of H.R.H. The Duke of Windsor, K.G, London, 1953, pages 224 -225.

Cf: The Heart Has its Reasons, The Memoirs of The Duchess of Windsor, London, 1958, page 204 where the Duchess mentions that the Prince of Wales was best man to his brother George Duke of Kent.

Stamped 18 for 18 carat gold, British hallmarks for London,1934, maker's marks 'JC' for Jacques Cartier. Weighing approximately 165 grams. Scratches consistent with age and wear. Secure closure. Accompanied by fitted case made by Cartier after 1987 sale at Sotheby's, together with original saleroom notice. In good condition.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Please note that colour, clarity and weight of gemstones are statements of opinion only and not statements of fact by Sotheby's. We do not guarantee, and are not responsible for any certificate from a gemological laboratory that may accompany the property. We do not guarantee that watches are in working order. 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. Prospective buyers should also refer to refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue, in particular to the Notice regarding the treatment and condition of gemstones and to the Notice regarding import of Burmese jadeite and rubies into the US.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

This case bears a facsimile of the signature of George, Duke of Kent and was a gift to Edward, Prince of Wales (created King Edward VIII in 1936, and thereafter the Duke of Windsor). The Prince of Wales was known as David amongst his family.  On the 29th November 1934, George, Duke of Kent, married Princess Marina of Greece. This gold case was given as a gift to Edward as George's Supporter on his wedding day.  Members of the Royal Family do not have a "Best Man" as such.  They have Supporters, usually two brothers.  When the Duke of Kent married Princess Marina, his brothers, the Prince of Wales and the Duke of York, acted as Supporters.  The Duchess also refers to this in her memoirs.

The Duke of Windsor recalled of his brother that he was "nearly nine years younger than I, [and] was sharply different in outlook and temperament from the rest of us.  Possessed of unusual charm of manner and a quick sense of humour and talented in many directions, he had an undoubted flair for the arts.  He played the piano, knew a good deal about music, and had a knowledgeable eye for antiques... his tragic death in an aeroplane accident in 1942 while on active service cut short, at thirty-nine, a promising career."