An American gold and leather cigarette case by Paul Flato, c.1940, the woven gold lattice with leather lining, hinge and thumb piece, marked 14K FLATO, 9.7 x 7.6 x 1.9cm, 151.50g Paul Flato was an American jeweller, based in New York City from the 1920s until the 1940s. He is considered to be the first 'celebrity jeweller', counting amongst his clients such stars of the screen as Greta Garbo, Joan Crawford, Marlene Dietrich and Ginger Rogers. He produced his own designs as well as collaborating with the most talented jewellers of the period, including Fulco di Verduro, and during the 1930s Flato's most significant diamond dealer was the then relatively unknown Harry Winston. He is known for his inventive and witty designs.
