ASPREY & CO. 1925 London Art Deco Mechanical Vesta Box In .925 Sterling
Mechanical vesta matches box designed by Asprey & Company.
This is a very rare and unusual mechanical vesta-box for matches, created in London England by Asprey & Company Limited, back in the 1925. The pocket vesta-box was crafted during the art deco period in solid .925/.999 sterling silver with yellow gold accents and decorated with engine turned guilloche patterns. It is fitted with two lids connected by an eight-barrels hinge and a concealed mechanical sliding lock. This box show excellent craftsmanship and is in great condition. A highly collectable piece.
Country: London, England.
Period: Art Deco, 1925-1926.
Materials: Sterling silver, yellow gold and iron.
Weight: 45.40 Grams, (29.10 Dwt).
Measurements: 55 mm by 44 mm by 9 mm (2.17 x 1.74 x 0.35 Inches).
Hallmarks Stamped with British crown marks, the lion's face mark for the city of London, the maker's mark A&Co Ltd., the mark for the assay and warranty of the .925 silver, the gothic letter L for the years 1925-1926 and signed in full as follows, "ASPREY LONDON MADE IN ENGLAND A&CO LTD "L" ASPREY'S PATENT NO-21914".
Asprey
The company was established in England in Mitcham, Surrey, in 1781. Founded as a silk printing business by William Asprey, it soon became a luxury emporium. In 1841, William Asprey's elder son Charles went into partnership with a stationer located on London's Bond Street. In 1847, the family broke with this partner and moved into 167 New Bond Street, the premises Asprey occupies today. From its central London location, Asprey advertised 'articles of exclusive design and high quality, whether for personal adornment or personal accompaniment and to endow with richness and beauty the table and homes of people of refinement and discernment.' An early specialty was dressing cases. Asprey crafted traditional cases and designs, mostly in leather, suitable for the new style of travel ushered in by railways. As the business grew, the company acquired manufacturing facilities and hired silversmith, goldsmith, jewelers and watchmakers. In the 1920's, commissions poured in from around the world, from American millionaire J. P. Morgan to potentates such as the Maharaja of Patiala, who commissioned a huge teak travelling trunk for each of his wives, in which each trunk was fitted with solid silver washing and bathing utensils with waterspouts of ornate tiger head and lined with blue velvet. Asprey cigarette cases and humidor boxes became collectable amongst young sophisticates who delighted in its other modern products, including travel clocks, safety razors and automatic pencil sharpeners.
Literature: Asprey & Co. Annual Catalogue London 1926 Page 27. For this exact vesta-box illustrated, with the retail prices and variety of options.
Collateral: This mechanical vesta box by Asprey & Co. is accompanied by a presentation jewelry box.
Condition: The overall condition of this mechanical vesta box by Asprey & Co. is excellent. Beside the little normal wear, there is no damage to the silver. All parts are secured in the settings. This box was carefully inspected to guarantee the condition and the authenticity.
INVENTORY REF: P070625ANMH/1.245
