ASPREY & Co. 1914 London Pocket Vesta Case In Solid .925 Sterling Silver With Cord
Purse vesta box designed by Asprey & Company.
A beautiful purse-style vesta case-box for matches, made in Birmingham, England by Asprey & Company Limited in 1914. It features a clean, elegant design from the early Art Deco period, crafted in solid sterling silver (.925/.999) with a polished finish and a rectangular shape. The case is fitted with a concealed seven-barrel hinge, a snap closure, a thick yellow cord, a steel striker, and a space for a stone. It is in excellent condition, with no dents or signs of restoration.
Country: Birmingham, England.
Period: Art-deco, 1914.
Materials: Sterling silver, steel and yellow cord.
Weight: 90.2 Grams, (57.85 Dwt).
Measurements: 57 mm by 51 mm by 17 mm (2.25 x 2.01 x 0.67 Inches).
Hallmarks All parts are stamped with British crown marks, the anchor mark for the city of Birmingham, the maker's mark A&Co. Ltd. associated to Asprey, the mark for the assay of the .925/.999 silver, the letter P for the years 1914-15 and signed, "ASPREY LONDON A&CO LTD P".
Asprey & Company
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. .
Collateral: This Asprey & Co. vesta box is accompanied by a presentation jewelry pouch.
Note: This lighter-vesta 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. vesta box is excellent. Beside the little normal wear, there is no damage to the silver. All parts are secured in the settings. This piece was carefully inspected to guarantee the condition & authenticity.
INVENTORY REF: D042526XICE/2.674
