A French Silver-Plated Duck Press, circa 1930 18 x 12-1/4 x 7-1/2 inches (45.7 x 31.1 x 19.1 cm) (base 18 x 11-1/2 x 1-1/2 inches) Inscription: Jack and Charlie's '21' (with Studio 21 insignia) A French silver-plated duck press possibly Christofle but unmarked, standing on a pair of flared legs with turned details at the base. The front and back of the press are hinged opening to a removeable pot with strainer, fitted with a spout. The press is a flat disk driven by a turn screw with a wheel at the top. The Duck Press bears the insignia of the renowned 21 Club, a popular New York City staple since its days as a prohibition-era speakeasy. Established by cousins Jack Kreindler and Charlie Berns in 1930, the club's name is derived from its prime location at 21 West 52nd Street where the famous façade featured its iconic wrought iron gate and ornamental jockeys. Thanks to a hidden wine cellar and the swankiest clientele in town, the club went on to store the private wine collections of Elizabeth Taylor, Frank Sinatra, Mae West, and Marilyn Monroe, and even the post-prohibition collections of John F. Kennedy, Richard Nixon, and Gerald Ford. The 21 Club enjoyed decades as the place to see and be seen by presidents, captains of industry, and celebrities until closing their doors permanently in 2020 due to New York City's shut down during the Covid Pandemic. Although American TV personality Steve Allen referenced the iconic club and restaurant in his song "This Could be the Start of Something" with the line, "You're lunchin' at Twenty-One and watching you diet, declining a charlotte russe, accepting a fig... this could be the start of something big," the 21 Club was celebrated for their decadent and scrumptious menu. The signature dish, the pressed duck, was a feast for the senses. After the duck was carved and its juices captured, what remained was cut into pieces and placed in the duck press, and the crank at the top turned, extracting all of the remaining juices. The ingredients were combined with butter and brandy and then flamed. The resulting sauce was poured over the sliced duck. Pressed duck is a slow meal of multiple courses, reflecting leisurely meals of a bye-gone era. The lot accompanied by a copy of The Iron Gate of Jack & Charlie's "21." Property from the Collection of Connie McNally, Rancho Santa Fe, California HID03101062020 © 2022 Heritage Auctions | All Rights Reserved

Overall very good condition. Small losses to plating throughout and wear to base commensurate with age and use.
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