Silver Art Nouveau Vesta Case Louis Oscar Roti Mariani Wines Promotional Vesta Case Rare 1900s
An extremely rare antique sterling silver vesta case. Made by the prestigious Parisian firm Gabert et Conreau at the turn of the century. The case is signed on the vermeil interior "GABERT ET CONREAU ORFEVRES. PARIS". The maker's mark "G & C un gabion" is clear and easy to read and further marks - boar's heads are to be seen on this antique match safe. This piece was made to celebrate the opening of a Winery in Paris and very few of these were made. Essentially it was rare when first made and over the passage of time the few have been lost, damaged and so to find this antique in this condition is remarkable.
From the exceptionally good condition of the exterior case and the vermeil interior we would say this has not been used to store vestas.
The history of this piece is important not only because of the maker's but also the subject matter.
Vin Mariani was patent medicine created about 1863 by Angelo Mariani. Mariani wanted to create a tonic. He had become fascinated with coca and its economic potential after reading Paolo Mantegazza’s paper on coca's effects. In 1863 Mariani started marketing a wine called Vin Tonique Mariani (à la Coca du Pérou) which was made from coca leaves and Bordeaux wine.
The legendary Marani Wine has a well documented history with endorsements from Queen Victoria, Pope Leo XIII and later Pope Saint Pius X . They were all Vin Mariani drinkers. Pope Leo awarded a Vatican gold medal to the wine and also appeared on a poster endorsing it.
Thomas Edison also endorsed the wine. He stated that it helped him stay awake longer. Ulysses S. Grant began drinking while writing his memoirs.
As you can imagine the historical fact pack that comes free with this piece is large and lavishly illustrated.
This vesta case is an antique of great charm. The repoussage decoration on the front is captivating and becomes even more so when the French is translated. Inscribed on the lid "O NYMPHE LE VIN MARIANI VA LE SAUVER MAIS PRENDS GARDE A TON COEVR" - "Oh nymphe the Mariani Wine will save him but take care of your heart". The tender scene engraved by the celebrated medalist Louis Oscar Roti with exceptional skill. We see the nymph pouring some Mariani Wine for the ill infant. The naked nymph holds the child tenderly and close to her. He is seated on flowing robes that cover her lower body. They are seated on the ground, a tree towers over them. Floral motifs adorn the case. The case is signed "O. Roti". The back is decorated with repoussage floral motifs and foliage. The case is beautifully clean and in excellent condition. Measures 4.7 cm x 3.5 cm and weighs 27.6 grams.
We want you to be happy with your purchases and so we offer a full money back guarantee (less shipping costs). See our return policies for details.
Buy three or more listings, you will get a 10% discount on your entire order applied automatically at the check out.
Delivery aims:
Guaranteed free worldwide delivery.
Free shipping - UK next working day delivery when purchased before 11 am.
Free shipping - Europe approximately three - five working days.
Free shipping - USA, Australia, New Zealand, Canada & the rest of the world approximately 5 - 10 working days or less.
We include free worldwide tracked and insured shipping with same day / next day dispatch, as well as a free luxury gift box & gift tag as standard with your order.
Expedited international shipping is available at cost. This takes approximately 2 - 4 working days. Please contact us for details.
All purchases are shipped with an extensive illustrated historical fact pack & collector's information guide.
Have you considered layaway? With a small deposit you will secure the item until you are ready to pay in full.
We also provide a free personal shopper service. If you are too busy to browse let us know your requirements and price range and we will personally select the finest variety of our stock to suit your specifications.
We are also willing to offer customers advice on how specialists keep antiques in superb condition as to avoid damaging them.
As experienced collectors we are uniquely placed to give you the history of your purchase.
Alternatively you may pay by bank transfer or reserve an item and send a check / cheque to us.
Please contact us for reservations or to discuss layaway options. We ship within 24 hours of cleared payment. We use tracked, insured priority shipping & have supplied fine collectibles to many hundreds of delighted customers all over the world.
If you need any advice please feel free to contact us:
Email: antiqueandcollect@gmail.com
Call: 0789 6616374
International callers: +44 789 6616374