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Box
Designed by: Walter von Nessen (American, born in Germany, 1889–1943)
Manufactured by: Nessen Studio, Inc. (founded in 1927)
Manufactured by: Nessen Studio, Inc. (founded in 1927)
1931
Object Place: New York, New York
Medium/Technique
Black and red lacquered copper or bronze and chromium-plated metal
Dimensions
Overall: 9.5 x 8.3 x 5.1 cm (3 3/4 x 3 1/4 x 2 in.)
Credit Line
The John Axelrod Collection
Accession Number2014.1447
CollectionsAmericas
ClassificationsMetalwork
DescriptionCopper or bronze cube with a mirrored disc in the middle vertically dividing the box into two compartments. Bottom is flush. Square box is painted black on exterior; red on interior. Metal chromium-plated disc with rounded edges inserts into the middle of the box where it is flush with the interior of the box. A small hole goes through the disc and is visible on the interior part of the disc in one corner. Edges of the disc extend to either side of the box exterior. The interior disc is flush with the sides of the box. The disc is raised above the top edge of the cube and would mirror the cigarettes in each compartment.
Prototype for Chase Cube Cigarette Holder #17070
Prototype for Chase Cube Cigarette Holder #17070
Marks
Stamped: "NESSEN/STUDIO/N.Y."
ProvenanceAcquired by first owner, Brooklyn, NY, directly from Nessen Studios; December 12, 2003, sold by first owner at Sotheby's (auction N07947) to John Axelrod, Boston, Massachusetts; 2008, promised gift of John Axelrod to the Museum; 2014, gift of Axelrod to the MFA. (Accession date: October 29, 2014)