Antique and collectible history / solid silver compacts

Corrado Orlandini Silver Compact Mirror

Italian Silversmiths L. Cappelli And C. Orlandini 24FI

The firm of L. Cappelli & C. Orlandini registered their maker’s mark on May 6 1935.

The business premises were located at Via Sant’Agostino 5, Firenze.

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Kigu Powder Compacts, History & Heritage

Kigu Powder Compacts, History & Heritage

An illustrated guide and history of the Kigu brand, which is being added to on a regular basis throughout the year. The name Kigu originates from the first two letters of the surname and forename of its founder, Gustav Kiaschek. Gustav was of Hungarian origin. He was the son of the master goldsmith, Josef Kiaschek.                                                                 
Gustav crafted high quality powder compacts from his workshop in Budapest. 
He raised three sons, Charles, Paul and George. Charles became a New York based goldsmith. George moved to London in 1939 where he founded Kigu of London. It is understandable that George Kiashek decided to leave Hungary in 1938 to settle in Great Britain. George decided to anglicise his name somewhat by dropping the c. 
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Henin & Cie: What We Know About La Maison Henin

Henin & Cie: What We Know About La Maison Henin

The great Parisian goldsmiths Henin & Cie were born in the nineteenth century. At the heart of the historic city of Paris, the Marais was the noted jewellery quarter.

It was in this locality that the nobility would go to buy luxurious jewellery and items made from high grade silver and gold.

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