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William J. "Wild Bill" Donovan: Personally Owned 21k Solid Gold Engraved Presentation Cigarette Case....
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Sold on Nov 13, 2023 for:
$10,000.00
Bid Source: Internet bidder
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Description
William J. "Wild Bill" Donovan: Personally Owned 21k Solid Gold Engraved Presentation Cigarette Case. Our last Signature sale of Americana and Political in February 2023 featured two important and personally owned presentation items from the family estate of William J. Donovan. Those items were warmly received by a spirited audience. A solid gold presentation cigarette case is the most valued keepsake that the family has now decided to pass along to an appreciative home. It was engraved to Donovan and given to him in a ceremony in Bangkok when his ambassadorship to Thailand was ending. The case is signed by La-iad Pibulsonggram on August 20th, 1954. Pibulsonggram was the Field Marshall and Premier of Thailand.William "Wild Bill" Donovan received his nickname during WWI due to his bravery while under fire. He began the war as a major in the 165th (formerly 69th) New York Infantry Regiment but rose to the rank of colonel by the war's end. He would become the first American to earn all four of the country's highest awards, three of which were for his courage and leadership during WWI. These awards include the Congressional Medal of Honor, the Distinguished Service Cross, the Distinguished Service Medal, and the National Security Medal. Considered the "founding father of the CIA," Donovan was head of the Office of the Coordinator of Information (COI) and, after the start of WWII, was chosen to lead the Office of Strategic Services (OSS) from 1942 to 1945.
Condition: The dimensions of the cigarette case are approximately 110mm tall x 80mm wide x 7mm thick. The case when tested using XRF technology is constructed in 21k gold and weighs 191 grams. The front of the case has a finely detailed raised Seal of the Office of the Prime Minister of Thailand. The back of the case is engraved, "To H.E. Major General William J. Donovan/ With best wishes and high esteem/ Field Marshal P. Pibulsonggram [signature] / (P. Pibulsonggram) / Thailand 20th August B.E. 2497 (1954)". The case shows light scuffing from expected normal wear, a small inconsequential dent at the top front side is noticeable only if one runs a finger across it. Overall, the case presents in excellent condition, aesthetically quite beautiful, and fully functional!
Auction Info
2023 November 13 - 14 Americana & Political Signature Auction Signature® Auction #6276 (go to Auction Home page)
Auction Dates
November, 2023
13th-14th
Monday-Tuesday
Bids + Registered Phone Bidders: 1
Lot Tracking Activity: N/A
Page Views: 758
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