Decor drama: the 1928 cigarette case that whispers MacArthur's secrets

This captivating cigarette case Art Deco, made in France in 1928, could reveal a mysterious connection between General MacArthur and Charles Lindbergh. The inscription inside, “To Violet from Major McArthur, 3-12-1929,” arouses intrigue. The possible link between Major MacArthur and the famous aviator Lindbergh, combined with the timeline of key events—including Lindbergh’s transatlantic flight and the tragic kidnapping of his baby—adds a touch of suspense.

Is this the missing link between two major figures of the early 20th century who dominated the news?

General MacArthur and Charles Lindbergh

The pleasure of selling antique jewelry and vintage items continues to amaze us, even after more than four decades. We often say: “ If only our collection could talk… ” Yet we must not forget that our jewels communicate in their own way. One of the many joys of our profession is discovering their past by tracking down facts, often on the border between history and imagination.

This exquisite cigarette or vanity case, adorned with mother-of-pearl, gold, gilded silver, and Japanese lacquer, shows by its hallmarks that it was made in France in 18-carat gold and gilded silver, and imported to London in 1928.

But the engraving inside says even more: “ To Violet, from Major McArthur, 3-12-1929 ”. Naturally, the question arises: “Who are Violet and Major McArthur?” Thus began our quest for answers.

First of all, the most famous of the Majors MacArthur is Douglas MacArthur, hero of the First World War. Could he be the man who gave this case to Violet? Violet, on the other hand, seems much more elusive. However, there is a notable link between a certain Violet Sharp and Major MacArthur: the famous Charles Lindbergh. We have presented the key dates below, allowing you to draw your own conclusions. For us, this case could be the remnant of an interwar love story, or even a forbidden love. In any case, this seems impossible in view of the facts presented below.

Is each moment of this timeline a mere coincidence, or a coincidence too significant to ignore?

Timeline:

• 1922: MacArthur marries Louise Cromwell Brooks in New York.
• 1922-1930: MacArthur is sent to the Philippines under the command of General John J. Pershing, following a negative evaluation, which is said to have been influenced by Pershing’s interest in MacArthur’s wife, according to Mrs. MacArthur.
• 1925: MacArthur is promoted to major.
• 1927: Lindbergh succeeds in the first transatlantic flight in Solitaire from New York to Paris.
• 1927: Lindbergh receives the Medal of Honor for his transatlantic flight.
• 1927: MacArthur receives the Medal of Honor for his actions during the First World War, originally intended for Lindbergh.
• 1927-1928: The case is imported to London.
• 28/07/1928 - 12/08/1928: MacArthur represents the United States at the Amsterdam Olympic Games.
• 18/06/1929: MacArthur divorces Louise Cromwell Brooks.
• 12/03/1929: MacArthur gives the case to Violet.
• Before 1930: Violet is married and lives in London until her divorce.
• 06/22/1930: Lindbergh's first son is born and Violet is appointed housekeeper for the Lindbergh family in Morris County, New Jersey (about 100 km from West Point, New York State).
• 03/01/1932: Lindbergh's son is kidnapped. Violet becomes the main suspect due to her inability or refusal to provide an alibi.
• 06/10/1932: Violet commits suicide.
• 1930-1935: MacArthur is appointed Chief of Staff of the U.S. Army, probably stationed at West Point, New York.
• 1935: MacArthur meets Jean Faircloth during his trip to the Philippines for a new assignment.
• 1944: Lindbergh and MacArthur collaborate on a World War II mission.

For more information, we refer you to the film "Murder on the Orient Express" by Agatha Christie (filmed in 1974 and remade in 2017), inspired by the kidnapping of Charles Lindbergh Jr.

This is exactly what we enjoy in our work: the thrill of historical research that opens unexpected windows onto the past.

Description of the object:

Group of antique jewelry objects: cigarette case

Condition: very good condition
- (more info on our condition scale)

Country of origin: France

Style: Art Deco - The Art Deco is an eclectic artistic and design style that originated in Paris in the first decades of the 20th century. Emerging in the 1920s, it continued to influence design until after the Second World War. The term “Art Deco” became widely used after a 1966 exhibition, in reference to the 1925 International Exhibition of Modern Decorative and Industrial Arts in Paris. Championed by the greatest designers in the decorative arts, especially in fashion and interior decoration, the Art Deco influenced all areas of design throughout the 1920s and 1930s, especially architecture, industrial design, and the visual arts. At the time, this style was considered elegant, glamorous, functional, and modern.
- See also: Art Deco or more info on styles

Stylistic characteristics: Abstract patterns and geometric shapes are typical of the Art Deco period. The Art Deco moves away from the soft pastels and organic shapes of its predecessor, Art Nouveau, drawing inspiration from various styles and movements of the early 20th century, including Neoclassicism, Constructivism, Cubism, Modernism, and Futurism. Its popularity peaked in Europe during the Roaring Twenties and continued in the United States throughout the 1930s. Unlike many design movements with political or philosophical foundations, the Art Deco is purely decorative.

Period: circa 1928
- (events and facts of this period, poetry of this period, fashion of this period)

Source of inspiration: the Chinese garden

Theme: Chinese/Japanese lacquer and mother-of-pearl inlay depicting a garden with a flower resembling a violet

Material: silver gilded and 18-carat yellow gold plaque on the top.
- (more information about precious metals)

Technique: Lacquer or Japanese lacquer – Just as “china” is a common term for porcelain, Japanese lacquer refers to the European technique of imitating Asian lacquers. With the growing popularity of Asian lacquer in Europe in the 17th century, European craftsmen developed their own techniques, applying several layers of varnish, each dried with heat and polished, to achieve a similar finish. This technique, known as Japanese lacquer, was very successful in the 18th century. Initially used on pottery and wood, Japanese lacquer later spread as a coating for metal objects. In the 20th century, the term became generalized to refer to various varnishes and lacquers. (according to Wikipedia)

Additional information: See the photos to discover several newspaper clippings from that period.

Hand engraving: “To Violet from Major McArthur 3-12-1929”

Hallmarks: French control hallmarks depicting an eagle’s head next to a boar’s head, used in France from around 1905. This hallmark was applied to gold jewelry and silver.
- (more information about hallmarks)

Dimensions: 8.57 cm (3.37 inches) x 7.50 cm (2.95 inches) x 9.70 cm (3.82 inches) - See the image with a ruler in cm and inches

Weight: 185.10 grams (119.02 dwt)

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