Board games

Relique de la quatrième Bugatti 57 SC Atlantic #57453,1936, « La Voiture Noire » - The original chassis plate of the missing Bugatti Atlantic 57SC. For several decades, the "black car" as it was nicknamed has been the subject of much ink. It was only thanks to brand historian Pierre-Yves Laugier that its existence came to light (we invite you to purchase his book on the Bugatti 57 Sport). Since then, every classic car enthusiast has fantasized about discovering it, deep in a barn, under thick blankets. It has made, still makes and will continue to make many enthusiasts dream, and its quest, like that of the Santa Maria, has become legendary. Some say that if it ever appeared, it would become the most desired car in the world. The chassis plate shown here is the one affixed to the car when it left the factory on October 3, 1936. The black car would later be photographed with different registrations (very common with Bugatti) and the last written trace, in February 1941 in Bordeaux, mentions it as #57454, so the original plate #57453 was already separated from the car just before it disappeared. But when and why were the plate and car separated? One theory caught our attention: In June 1937, chassis number #57453 was assigned to a Gangloff Sedan. We can therefore assume that the chassis plate was taken from the Atlantic and installed on the Sedan. This theory is all the more plausible given that in June 1939, the Atlantic was loaned to the King of Belgium as #57454. The black car was photographed one last time in Molsheim in 1939, before leaving for Bordeaux. The Berline with original plate #57453 continued on its way and passed into the hands of Jean De Dobbeleer around 1958, surely unaware that he had in his hands the plate of the factory Atlantic. Decades later, the plate would be found on another car, known to have passed through De Dobbeleer's hands. In any case, this is a significant piece of the puzzle that has kept the classic car world on its toes for decades. It is also, to our knowledge, the only piece of the black factory car whose authenticity and ownership are beyond doubt.

A. BOUILLOT (20th). Puzzle. Montage of photographs, titled and signed on the back. 59 x 58 cm.

Jeu de Patiene (sic). Puzzle aus 66 Teilen. Wohl Frankreich, um 1780. Handkolorierter Kupferstich, auf Holz aufgezogen. 31 x 22,5 cm. In grünem Pappschuber d. Zt., auf dem Vorderdeckel gestochenes ovales Etikett, umrahmt von einem handgezeichneten Blumen - Puzzle Jeu de Patiene (sic). Puzzle of 66 pieces. Probably France, around 1780. Hand-colored copperplate engraving, mounted on wood. 31 x 22.5 cm. In a green cardboard slipcase of the period, engraved oval label on the front cover, framed by a hand-drawn floral wreath in gouache (stained, occasional scribbles, small losses in the margins, overall signs of wear). The depiction shows a Cupid with a raised index finger, apparently giving advice to a woman kneeling before him beneath two arching rosebushes. - Old overpaste in the lower white margin. A few brown spots. The puzzle in excellent condition with bright and fine coloring. Jigsaw-puzzle consisting of 66 pieces (= complete). Handcolored engraving mounted on thin wood. Probably France around 1780. In cont. green paste-paper slip-case, mounted engraved oval label to front cover, framed by an original wash-colour wreath of flowers (slipcase with traces of wear, occasional scribbles, extremeties worn). - The image shows a cupido his fore-finger held up and obviously giving welcome (?) advice to a kneeling woman in front of him under two arch-shaped rose bushes. - Lower white margin with old paste-over. A few brown spots else fine. The jigsaw-puzzle in excellent condition with bright and delicate coloring. * This work is taxed. The hammer price is subject to a 23.95% surcharge and the final invoice amount is subject to 7% (books only) or 19% VAT in the European Union. This work is subject to the regular margin scheme. There is a 23.95% buyer's premium on the hammer price and 7% (Books only) or 19% VAT on the final invoice amount in the European Union.

Trentsensky, M. America. Handkolorierte Kupferstichkarte von Nord- und Südamerika von T. Mollo nach Dominic Biller. Wien, M. Trentsensky's Artistische Anstalt, um 1840. Auf Holz aufgezogen. 41 x 33,5 cm. Eingelegt in marmorierter Original P.-Schachtel mi - Puzzle Trentsensky, M. America. Hand-colored copper engraving map of North and South America by T. Mollo after Dominic Biller. Vienna, M. Trentsensky's Artistische Anstalt, around 1840. Mounted on wood. 41 x 33.5 cm. Laid in original marbled P. box with mounted label: "Neue mit der Maschine geschnittene Zerleg-Bilder. America No." (rubbed, edges and label with losses). A fine example of a disassembled map, complete and with only a few brown spots, from one of the leading manufacturers in the German-speaking world. Colors in very good condition. Hand-colored engraved map of North and South America by T. Mollo after Dominic Biller. Loosely contained in publisher's cardboard box with oval engraved label "Neue mit Maschine geschnittene Zerleg-Bilder America" pasted onto top lid (rubbed, label and sides with missing parts). - A fine example of a dissected map, complete and with only a few brown spots, by one of its leading manufacturers in German speaking countries. * This work is taxed. The hammer price is subject to a 23.95% surcharge and the final invoice amount is subject to 7% (books only) or 19% VAT in the European Union. This work is subject to the regular margin scheme. There is a 23.95% buyer's premium on the hammer price and 7% (Books only) or 19% VAT on the final invoice amount in the European Union.

Cubic card case in stained walnut veneer, with four compartments. 17.5 x 17.5 x 19 cm. Slight wear, key missing.

An unusual Delft puzzle jug, 18th century, the globular body painted in blue with a figure holding out a cloth or garment to two figures seated nearby, possibly a biblical scene of Jacob offering Joseph his coat of many colours, a further figure holding a parasol, the tall neck pierced with a flowerhead design, 18cm.

A large slipware puzzle jug, dated 1831, inscribed 'J + ny 1831' in cream slip on a rich treacle ground, the tall neck pierced with an elaborate design, the neck with three conical spouts, some restoration to the rim, 26cm.

A delftware puzzle jug, c.1760, probably Liverpool, painted with flower sprays flanking a four line verse inviting drinkers to try their luck, the tall neck pierced with hearts and ovals, the rim with three small spouts, some good restoration to one spout, some glaze chipping, 18.5cm high.

A slipware puzzle jug of agateware type, dated 1901, decorated in cream and treacle slip to simulate hardstone, inscribed 'T. Smith Clitheroe', the tall neck cut with triangles, the rim set with three pointed spouts, one spout broken and restuck, 18cm.