Jean E. Puiforcat Art Deco French Sterling Silver Hand Mirror Black Enamel Paris.

I won this beautiful circa 1935 hand mirror at Sotheby's in April 2018 at the design auction. This had been part of Jacqueline Fowler's estate. (Or her property rather: she died later.)

When I bid on this, it was offered with the a pair of Puiforcat scissors, which I actually wanted. So I won the lot.

I found out that she had won it at a Sotheby's auction in the early 90s. The catalog description then said it was lacking the glass. She must have had a new glass made, and at some point had the enamel lacquered, as when I won the item, the enamel had finish with a very high gloss.

Fast forward to August 2022. I was polishing the mirror, and I noticed a whitish area on the handle: the lacquer (which was clear though yellowing) was separating from the enamel. I tapped it with my fingernail and it flaked off. So I found online a recipe for removing the lacquer using a solution of white vinegar and water. This was very laborious and took a long time, but eventually it revealed the smooth and satiny surface of the enamel. Not so glossy as before. It was more honed. But it also revealed that there were some areas along the handle edge where there was enamel loss. I have taken photos of these and included them. I am wondering if it wasn't lacquered to conceal this loss and to prevent further loss. I actually think the hones surface is very attractive.

Other than that, the surface of the looking glass frame that meets the table surface is scratched with normal scuffing and abrasion from use.

This example of Jean Puiforcat's work also sports a gorgeous monogram.

I hope this can fill some gap in your Art Deco silver collection, or maybe you are crazy for Jean Puiforcat. Or maybe black enamel or monograms. It checks so many boxes.

It measures 7 7/8" long. The looking glass frame is 4 1/8" diameter.

Properly marked with the Mercury export mark on the frame edge. Marked also with "Made in France" which would mean it was made after 1931.

Signed "Jean E. Puiforcat".

Thank you.