ASPREY London 1874 Elegant Desk Tray In Wood And .925 Sterling Silver
A desk tray designed by Charles Asprey & Charles Asprey junior.
This is a very elegant desk-tray created in London England by the silversmith company of Charles Asprey & Charles Asprey junior, back in 1874. The rare tray has been masterfully crafted by the early Asprey company during the Victorian era, with multiples parts, such; carved tortoise shell, wood, lining leather and solid .925/.999 sterling silver with polished and engraved finishes. The sterling silver parts are adorned with incised engravings of curved and organic shapes. The short sides are fitted with two handles featuring neoclassical motifs. This tray is truly beautiful, with exceptional finishes and great materials.
Country: London, England.
Period: Victorian, 1876.
Maker: Charles Asprey & Charles Asprey junior for Asprey.
Materials: Sterling silver, tortoise shell, wood and lining leather.
Weight: About 3 pounds, (1.36 Kg).
Measurements: H. 64 mm by L. 298.5 mm by D. 203.2 mm, (2.52 x 11.75 x 8 Inches).
Hallmarks: All parts are stamped with British marks, the mark of England and the mark for the city of London, the profile of queen Victoria, the maker's mark CA-CA associated to Charles Asprey & Charles Asprey junior, the mark for the assay and warranty of the .925/.999 silver and the code letter A for the production date of 1876.
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.
Condition: The overall condition of this desk tray by Asprey is excellent. Besides 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: D031226ENNK/.8867
