A Satinwood and Mahogany Folding Chess Set from William Vincent Astor's Yacht, Nourmahal

Early 20th Century

the lid with metal plaque engraved, "The favorite game of the Boozer for his "Nourmahal"/ from Serge/ 25 June 1928", accompanied by original chess pieces.

Height 3 x width 12 1/2 x depth 8 1/4 inches (when closed), Height 1 1/2 x width 16 1/2 x depth 12 1/2 inches (when opened).

From the private collection of Brooke Astor, New York

This lot is located in Philadelphia.

Provenance:

William Vincent Astor,

Thence by descent within the family.

Note:

John Jacob Astor IV was born into one of the most prominent and wealthy families in U.S. His success is attributed to his many professional pursuits--inventing, writing, and business ventures such as real estate development. He built the Astoria Hotel in New York in 1897, which later became the Waldorf-Astoria through the combination of his cousin's adjoining property. He died on the RMS Titanic when it sank in 1912.

William "Vincent" Astor was the eldest child of John Jacob Astor. Following his father's death, Vincent would inherit his immense fortune, using much of this wealth to fund philanthropic causes, including reinvesting in equitable housing projects in New York. He also gifted the family home Ferncliff to the Benedictine Hospital in Kingston, New York upon his death. He served on active duty in both World Wars, even loaning his yacht Nourmahal to the Coast Guard. He was married three times, including to Roberta "Brooke" Russell, who became Brooke Astor.

Aside from being known as a New York socialite, Brooke was hugely charitable, founding the Vincent Astor Foundation with her husband, an organization that supports projects specific to New York City.

The Nourmahal was built by the Krupp Iron Works in Kiel, Germany in 1928. Initially ordered in 1940 as a weather station in the Coast Guard Reserve Fleet by William Vincent Astor, it would later be transferred to the Navy.

A Satinwood and Mahogany Folding Chess Set from William Vincent Astor's Yacht, Nourmahal

A Satinwood and Mahogany Folding Chess Set from William Vincent Astor's Yacht, Nourmahal