A rare and visually striking mid-20th century European silver cigarette box. The hinged lid is meticulously set with rows of polished amethyst-coloured pastes, each individually hand-shaped and arranged within a modernist grid of silver bars. The result is a jewel-like mosaic of saturated purple tones—deep, vibrant, and unmistakably luxurious.
The box is crafted in a clean rectangular form and raised on integral silver feet, giving it a subtle architectural presence. The silver body retains its elegant mid-century character, displaying gentle age-commensurate patina consistent with a high-end personal object from an important private estate.
This exact piece is documented in The Estate of Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis, Sotheby’s New York, April 23–26, 1996, where it appeared as Lot 140.
Originally estimated at $250–350 USD, its dramatic final hammer price of $18,400 USD reflects both its visual appeal and its connection to one of the most iconic women of the 20th century.
This is an extremely rare opportunity to acquire a personal decorative object once owned by Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis.
Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis (1929–1994)
Former First Lady of the United States, cultural icon, and internationally revered figure of taste and elegance.
Sotheby’s New York — The Estate of Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis, Sale 6834
Lot 140
Final Price: $18,400 USD (including buyer’s premium)
Accompanied by printed catalogue references showing the lot and the auction results.
Purchased from the Collection of Peter Lerner (Toronto) who was the original buyer at the Sotheby’s sale in 1996
Origin: Probably European
Period: Mid-20th Century
Material: Silver (unmarked, per Sotheby’s catalogue)
Lid Decoration: Multiple rows of amethyst-coloured glass pastes in raised grid setting
Form: Rectangular hinged box with integral feet
Dimensions (per Sotheby’s): 4 × 5½ in. (approx. 10.2 × 14 cm)
Very good vintage condition with expected light patina. The amethyst pastes remain vibrant and well-seated. Some minor chipping as seen in the photos. The hinge functions smoothly. Presents beautifully as a desk object, jewellery box, or display piece.
Objects from the Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis estate are highly sought after—not just for their intrinsic quality, but for their connection to her refined, world-influenced aesthetic. This box is particularly special because:
It is visually striking, unlike typical silver boxes.
It sold for over 50× its estimate
It represents the mid-century modern taste that defined parts of Jackie’s later life.
It is documented and verifiable, with full Sotheby’s catalogue references.
Pieces with such clear provenance and dramatic sale histories rarely reappear on the market.
This is more than a decorative object—it is a piece of cultural history linked to one of the most influential women of the modern era. A perfect acquisition for collectors of:
Presidential or First Lady memorabilia
Items from the Kennedy family
Important mid-century silverwork
Provenance-driven decorative arts
A rare and visually striking mid-20th century European silver cigarette box. The hinged lid is meticulously set with rows of polished amethyst-coloured pastes, each individually hand-shaped and arranged within a modernist grid of silver bars. The result is a jewel-like mosaic of saturated purple tones—deep, vibrant, and unmistakably luxurious.
The box is crafted in a clean rectangular form and raised on integral silver feet, giving it a subtle architectural presence. The silver body retains its elegant mid-century character, displaying gentle age-commensurate patina consistent with a high-end personal object from an important private estate.
This exact piece is documented in The Estate of Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis, Sotheby’s New York, April 23–26, 1996, where it appeared as Lot 140.
Originally estimated at $250–350 USD, its dramatic final hammer price of $18,400 USD reflects both its visual appeal and its connection to one of the most iconic women of the 20th century.
This is an extremely rare opportunity to acquire a personal decorative object once owned by Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis.
Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis (1929–1994)
Former First Lady of the United States, cultural icon, and internationally revered figure of taste and elegance.
Sotheby’s New York — The Estate of Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis, Sale 6834
Lot 140
Final Price: $18,400 USD (including buyer’s premium)
Accompanied by printed catalogue references showing the lot and the auction results.
Purchased from the Collection of Peter Lerner (Toronto) who was the original buyer at the Sotheby’s sale in 1996
Origin: Probably European
Period: Mid-20th Century
Material: Silver (unmarked, per Sotheby’s catalogue)
Lid Decoration: Multiple rows of amethyst-coloured glass pastes in raised grid setting
Form: Rectangular hinged box with integral feet
Dimensions (per Sotheby’s): 4 × 5½ in. (approx. 10.2 × 14 cm)
Very good vintage condition with expected light patina. The amethyst pastes remain vibrant and well-seated. Some minor chipping as seen in the photos. The hinge functions smoothly. Presents beautifully as a desk object, jewellery box, or display piece.
Objects from the Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis estate are highly sought after—not just for their intrinsic quality, but for their connection to her refined, world-influenced aesthetic. This box is particularly special because:
It is visually striking, unlike typical silver boxes.
It sold for over 50× its estimate
It represents the mid-century modern taste that defined parts of Jackie’s later life.
It is documented and verifiable, with full Sotheby’s catalogue references.
Pieces with such clear provenance and dramatic sale histories rarely reappear on the market.
This is more than a decorative object—it is a piece of cultural history linked to one of the most influential women of the modern era. A perfect acquisition for collectors of:
Presidential or First Lady memorabilia
Items from the Kennedy family
Important mid-century silverwork
Provenance-driven decorative arts
