MAPPING & WEBB 1935 London Art Deco Ashtray With Match Holder In Silver
An art deco ashtray-match holder designed by Mappin & Webb.
This is a very handsome desk ashtray-matches holder created in London England by the silversmiths of Mappin & Webb Limited, back in the 1935. Crafted during the art deco period in solid plated sterling silver with polished finish and fitted with a rectangle to place the matches box.
Country: London, United Kingdom.
Period: Art Deco, 1935.
Weight: 457.5 Grams, (0.46 Kg.).
Measurements: H. 114.3 mm by L. 120.65 mm by D. 115.6 mm (4.5 x 4.75 x 4.55 Inches).
Hallmarks Stamped with British marks, the maker's mark, the registry numbers and signed as follows, "MAPPIN & WEBB Ltd W29481".
Mappin & Webb
The company traces its origins to 1775, when Jonathan Mappin opened a silver workshop in Sheffield, then as now a major center of the English silver trade. The business eventually became Mappin Brothers. Mappin House on Oxford Street, as rebuilt in 1906-8. One of Jonathan Mappin's great-grandsons, John Mappin, started his own business in London, Mappin & Company, in 1860, which became Mappin, Webb & Co. in 1862 after John Mappin was joined by his brother-in-law George Webb. The first Mappin & Webb store opened in 1860 at 77–78 Oxford Street, London, and the company's candelabras, fine silverware, and vanity products swiftly gained renown. As a natural progression from silverware, Mappin & Webb began designing jewelry. Mappin, Webb & Co. acquired Mappin Brothers in 1903. Three years later the premises on Oxford Street were rebuilt to designs by Belcher & Joass. Joass also rebuilt the Regent Street store (inherited from Mappin Brothers), in 1914. By the 1950s the latter store was proving more successful than the former, and in 1956 the company moved its headquarters from Oxford Street to Regent Street. Mappin & Webb expanded internationally beginning in the 1890s. Its first overseas store was established in Johannesburg, and stores soon followed in Buenos Aires, Sao Paulo, Biarritz, Hong Kong, Shanghai, Cairo, and Bombay. However, the family lost control of the business in the 1950s, when it was the subject of a hostile takeover (through the acquisition of privately owned shares). Subsequently, all international stores closed in the second half of the 20th century. Since then, it has changed ownership many times. Mappin & Webb has created jewelry for royalty and high society; both in the United Kingdom, and internationally. Patrons have included Queen of France Marie-Antoinette, the Empress of Russia, and Princess Grace of Monaco. The company historically held Royal Warrants to both the Russian Empire and the Japanese Royal Household. Queen Victoria was the first British monarch to commission Mappin & Webb. Victoria's Golden Jubilee necklace was created by the house in 1888, and was designated by the Queen as an heirloom of the Crown. Mappin & Webb has held Royal Warrants in the UK since 1897. Today, Mappin & Webb holds warrants to both Queen Elizabeth II, and the Prince of Wales. Mappin & Webb's master craftsman Martin Swift was appointed in 2012 to the position of Crown Jeweler, the custodian of the British Crown Jewels who is responsible for preparing them for the State Opening of Parliament and other state occasions. Mark Appleby, also of Mappin & Webb, took over as crown jeweler in 2017.
Condition: The overall condition of this Mappin & Webb ashtray is very good. Beside the little normal wear there is no damage to the silver and all parts are secured in the settings. This piece was carefully inspected to guarantee the condition & authenticity.
INVENTORY REF: D031826DANN/.6345
