-Asprey And Co. 1923 Birmingham Art Deco Hexagonal Vesta Box In 9Kt Yellow Gold
Hexagonal vesta box designed by Asprey & Company.
Very rare and unusual vesta matches box, created in Birmingham England by Asprey & Company Limited, back in the 1923. Crafted during the art deco period in a hexagonal shape in solid yellow gold of 9 karats, The six lateral sides are decorated with engine turned guilloche and the top and bottom in plain. Fitted on top with a hinged hexagonal push lid. Excellent craftmanship depicting an odd and geometric shape. Perfect condition with no dents or previous restorations.
Weight: 45.95 Grams, (29.45 Dwt).
Measurements: 56 mm by 52 mm by 16 mm (2.20 x 2.05 x 0.63 Inches).
Hallmarks Stamped with British crown marks, the anchor mark for the city of Birmingham, the maker's mark A&Co Ltd., the mark .375 for the assay of the 9kt gold, the letter Y for the years 1923-1924 and signed, "ASPREY LONDON 8 .375 REG.584151 A&CO LTD Y".
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 piece illustrated with the retail prices and variety of options.
Collateral: It is accompanied by a presentation jewelry box.
Condition: The overall condition of this vesta box is excellent. Beside the little normal wear, there is no damage to the gold. All parts are secured in the settings. This piece has been carefully inspected to guarantee the condition and the authenticity.
INVENTORY REF: P111123MONM/.5522
