Bulgari (Italian, founded 1844). An 18k gold, silver, and mahogany box created to commemorate the bicentennial anniversary of the founding of the United States of America, the rectangular box with chamfered corners bearing round enamel seals to top for Delaware and Hawaii, the first and last states to join the union, flanking raised lettering reading "1776 July 4 1976", the sides of the box etched with the names of each state in the union, and the hinged lid opening to reveal a mahogany lined interior with two open compartments. The commemorative box housed in a brown leather hinged lid box with fitted interior compartment, the lid with gilt lettering "Presented to The High Museum of Arts by Mr. and Mrs. Frank W. Ferst 1976". Maker's and standard mark to underside "Italy 18k Bvlgari N.Y.", also inscribed "HMA 76.1000.7", likely a museum inventory number. Commemorative box approximate height 1.25", width 7.5", depth 4.25". Leather box approximate height 2.375", width 11.125", depth 7.625". Provenance: Property from the High Museum of Art sold to benefit the Acquisitions fund at Leslie Hindman Auctioneers, Chicago, Illinois, "Fine Furniture and Decorative Arts ", January 25, 2010, lot 1078, whereby acquired and sold to the Estate of Mary L. Haugk, Lawrenceville, Georgia. Note: Frank Weil Ferst (American (Georgia), 1899-1985) and his wife Sylvia Montag Ferst were prominent socialites and philanthropists in Atlanta until Mrs. Ferst's death in 1987, including endowing an academic chair at Emory University in the field of Ophthalmology and founding the Sylvia M. and Frank W. Ferst Foundation. Mr. Ferst played football as halfback and quarterback at the University of Georgia in 1916 and quarterback at Georgia Tech from 1918-1921.

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