William K. Vanderblit Sr.(1849-1920) grandson of ship and railway tycoon Cornelius Vanderbilt (1794-1877) inherited his grandfathers passion for yachts. In 1886 he commissioned the world's largest private yacht, which he named "Alva" after his first wife Alva Smith (1853-1933). This magnificent sea going vessel was 285 feet long including staterooms, library, a crew of fifty and a French chef. Years later, in 1930, his son, William Kissam Vanderbilt II (1878-1944), built the second Alva, a 264 foot luxury passenger steamer, lavishly outfitted with 8 staterooms, dining room and gymnasium. In keeping with the refined style and elegance of the Alva II, the present Cartier cigarette table box was given to William and his second wife Rosamund Warburton as a Christmas present in 1930 from his son.