Deco Drama: The 1928 Cigarette Case Whispering MacArthur's Secrets

This captivating Art Deco cigarette case, crafted in France in 1928, may hold a mysterious connection between General MacArthur and Charles Lindbergh. The inscription inside, "To Violet from Major McArthur 3-12-1929," sparks intrigue. The possible link between Major MacArthur and the famous aviator Lindbergh, combined with the timeline of significant events—including Lindbergh's transatlantic flight and the tragic Lindbergh baby abduction—adds an air of suspense.

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

General MacArthur and Charles Lindbergh

The thrill of dealing in antique and vintage jewellery continues to astound us, even after more than four decades. The thought often crosses our minds: "If only our collection could speak… " Yet, we must remember that our jewellery pieces do communicate in their own unique way. It’s one of the many joys of our work to uncover their past lives by chasing down facts, often treading the line between history and imagination.

This exquisite vanity or cigarette case, embellished with mother-of-pearl, gold, gilded silver, and Japanese lacquer, tells us through its hallmarks that it was manufactured in France from 18K gold and gilded silver, and imported into London in 1928.

However, it speaks even more profoundly through the engraving inside: "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 and foremost, the most famous Major MacArthur is the World War I hero, Douglas MacArthur. Could he be the man who gifted this case to Violet? Violet, on the other hand, appears far more elusive. However, there is one notable connection between a certain Violet Sharp and Major MacArthur: the famous Charles Lindbergh. We have outlined the key dates below, allowing you to draw your own conclusions. To us, this case could be a relic of an interwar romance—or even a forbidden love. Either way, it seems impossible according to the facts listed below.

Is each moment in this timeline a mere coincidence, or too much of a coincidence to dismiss?

Timeline:

• 1922: MacArthur marries Louise Cromwell Brooks in New York.
• 1922-1930: MacArthur is sent to the Philippines under General John J. Pershing's command, following a negative evaluation—rumoured to be influenced by Pershing’s interest in MacArthur's wife, according to Mrs. MacArthur.
• 1925: MacArthur is promoted to Major.
• 1927: Lindbergh successfully completes the first solo transatlantic flight from New York to Paris.
• 1927: Lindbergh is awarded the Medal of Honour for his transatlantic flight.
• 1927: MacArthur receives the Medal of Honour for his actions during WWI, originally intended for Lindbergh.
• 1927-1928: The case is imported into London.
• 28/07/1928 - 12/08/1928: MacArthur represents the US at the Olympic Games in Amsterdam.
• 18/06/1929: MacArthur divorces Louise Cromwell Brooks.
• 03/12/1929: MacArthur gifts the case to Violet.
• Pre-1930: Violet is married and living in London until her divorce.
• 22/06/1930: Lindbergh's first son is born, and Violet is appointed as a household maid for the Lindbergh family in Morris County, New Jersey (approximately 100km from West Point, New York).
• 01/03/1932: Lindbergh's son is abducted. Violet becomes a prime suspect due to her inability or refusal to provide an alibi.
• 10/06/1932: Violet commits suicide.
• 1930-1935: MacArthur is appointed Chief of Staff of the United States Army, likely stationed at West Point, New York.
• 1935: MacArthur meets Jean Faircloth during his journey to the Philippines for a new mission.
• 1944: Lindbergh and MacArthur collaborate on a WWII mission.

For further information, we refer you to Agatha Christie's "Murder on the Orient Express" (filmed in 1974 and remade in 2017), which was inspired by the abduction of Charles Lindbergh Jr.

This is exactly what we cherish about our work—the thrill of historical research that opens unexpected windows into the past.

Object Description:

Antique jewellery object group: cigarette case

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

Country of origin: France

Style: Art Deco - Art Deco is an eclectic artistic and design style that originated in Paris in the first decades of the 20th century. The style emerged in the 1920s and continued to influence design well into the post-World War II period. The term "Art Deco" became widely recognised after a 1966 exhibition, referencing the 1925 Exposition Internationale des Arts Décoratifs et Industriels Modernes in Paris. Led by top designers in the decorative arts, including fashion and interior design, Art Deco influenced all areas of design throughout the 1920s and 1930s, including architecture, industrial design, and the visual arts. At the time, the style was considered elegant, glamorous, functional, and modern.
  -  See also: Art Deco or more info on styles

Style specifics: Abstract motifs and geometric forms are typical of the Art Deco period. Art Deco moved away from the soft pastels and organic forms of its predecessor, Art Nouveau, embracing influences from various early 20th-century styles and movements, including Neoclassical, Constructivism, Cubism, Modernism, and Futurism. Its popularity peaked in Europe during the Roaring Twenties and remained strong in the United States throughout the 1930s. Unlike many design movements that have political or philosophical underpinnings, Art Deco was purely decorative.

Period: circa 1928
  -  (events & facts of this era, poetry of this era, fashion of this era)

Source of inspiration: Chinese garden

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

Material: Gilded silver and 18K yellow gold cartouche on the top.
  -  (more info on precious metals)

Technique: Lacquer or Japanning - Just as "china" is a common term for porcelain, "japanning" describes the European technique for imitating Asian lacquerware. As Asian lacquerwork gained popularity in Europe during the 17th century, European artisans developed their own techniques, applying several coats of varnish, each heat-dried and polished, to achieve a similar finish. The technique, which became known as japanning, gained widespread popularity in the 18th century. Originally used on pottery and wood, japanning later became popular as a coating for metalware. By the 20th century, the term was applied broadly to various varnishes and lacquers. (from Wikipedia)

Extra information: Check the pictures for several newspaper clippings from that era.

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

Hallmarks: The French control marks featuring an eagle's head alongside a wild boar's head, used in France from about 1905. This hallmark was applied to jewels made from both gold and silver.
  -  (more info on hallmarks)

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

Weight: 185.10 gram (119.02 dwt)

Adin Reference No.: 19336-0154

Copyright photography: Adin, fine antique jewellery

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