ASPREY & CO. London 1936 Compendium Case Watch Lighter Case In .925 Sterling
A compendium watch lighter case designed by Asprey & Company.
This is a beautiful and rare compendium clock-lighter and cigarette case created in London England by the luxury house of Asprey & Company Limited, back in the 1936. Masterfully crafted during the art deco period in a rectangular shape in solid .925/.999 sterling silver with accents in yellow gold. Decorated with geometric linear patterns and fitted with a twelve-barrels hinge lid and thumb mechanical pusher. Made with excellent craftsmanship as you expect from Asprey and in great condition with no dents or restorations. Has been recently cleaned and polished.
Weight: 189.90 Grams, (121.75 Dwt).
Measurements: 104 mm by 71 mm by 11 mm (4.10 x 2.82 x 0.43 Inches).
Hallmarks Each part are stamped with British crown marks, the mark of the lion head for the city of London, the maker's mark A&Co. Ltd. associated to Asprey, the mark for the assay and warranty of the .925/.999 silver, the letter A for the production year between 1936-1937 and signed as follows, "ASPREY LONDON".
Asprey & Co.
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.
Note: The lighter in this compendium box is empty of any flammable, gas or butane substances and is ready to be ship by any carrier. This lighter just need a new flint and proper lighter fluid. Was tested and is in working condition.
Condition: The overall condition of this Asprey & Co. compendium is excellent. Beside the little normal wear, there is no damage to the silver and all parts are secured in the settings. This piece has been carefully inspected to guarantee the condition and the authenticity.
INVENTORY REF: D033025MOET/5.630
