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Mrs. Mary Lee Eppling Fairbanks (1913 – 1988) was a socialite, patron of charities, and wife of Hollywood film star Douglas Fairbanks, Jr. Her adventurous life took her from West Virginia, to Newport, Rhode Island and New York City, across the Atlantic to London, England, and finally back to the United States, eventually spending the last years of her life in Palm Beach, Florida. Mr. Fairbanks’ varied and robust career led to his receiving three stars on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. However, Mr. and Mrs. Fairbanks’ exciting lives extended far beyond the glitz and glamour of Old Hollywood. Although celebrated as an actor, Mr. Fairbanks was commissioned in the United States Navy when the United States entered World War II. He served in Admiral Lord Louis Mountbatten’s Commando staff in the United Kingdom. Confirmed Anglophiles since having been stationed in England during the war, Mr. and Mrs. Fairbanks eventually moved to London. Mrs. Fairbanks’ time in the United Kingdom was marked by the glamour of high society. In 1949, Mr. Fairbanks was one of the few Americans to receive an honorary knighthood as Knight Commander of the Order of the British Empire from George Vl. His installation in such prestigious and honorable societies solidified the couple’s place among the London elite. In fact, Mr. and Mrs. Fairbanks became close friends with the many members of the British Royal Family and government— even entertaining Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip family at their London home. Likewise, the couple received coveted invitations to events such as to the wedding of Queen Elizabeth II’s cousin, Prince Edward Duke of Kent to Katharine Worsley, or that of Princess Margaret to Earl Snowdon. These occasions, not least among them the coronation of Queen Elizabeth II at Westminster Abbey, undoubtedly called for dazzling jewels. As thanks for Mr. Fairbanks’ military service to the Allies during World War II, the Fairbanks family was granted a coat of arms from the College of Arms, a symbol of their high regard within the United Kingdom. They also received honors from Greece and, later in life, Germany for their service and charitable efforts. All of these distinctions speak to their global concern and magnanimous generosity. The couple had three children: Melissa, Daphne, and Victoria, resulting in eight grandchildren and ten great-grandchildren. Lots 40-47, Formerly from the Collection of Mrs. Douglas Fairbanks, Jr, include signed jewels from houses such as Cartier, Raymond Yard and Verdura and provide a glimpse into Mrs. Fairbanks’ glamorous and charitable life. The couple’s nearly half a century long marriage produced many important legacies, including glittering and charming jewelry. PROPERTY FORMERLY FROM THE COLLECTION OF MRS. DOUGLAS FAIRBANKS, JR
AN ENAMEL, GOLD AND RUBY COMPACT CASE, BY VERDURA
细节
AN ENAMEL, GOLD AND RUBY COMPACT CASE, BY VERDURA
The white enamel and 18k gold egg-shaped powder compact, with cabochon ruby pushpiece, opening to reveal a fitted mirror and powder compartment, 2 1/4 ins.
Signed Verdura, France
The white enamel and 18k gold egg-shaped powder compact, with cabochon ruby pushpiece, opening to reveal a fitted mirror and powder compartment, 2 1/4 ins.
Signed Verdura, France