Asprey & Co. London Sterling Silver and Vermeil Cigarette Case
Cigarette Case · Asprey & Co. London. Founded in 1781, Asprey is one of the world's most prestigious luxury retailers, holding royal warrants for every British monarch since Queen Victoria. They are synonymous with high-end craftsmanship and supplying the British aristocracy.
Pattern: Traditional engine-turned geometric pattern. While not a named residential pattern like flatware, this engine-turned finish was a signature of Asprey's gentleman's accessories throughout the early 20th century.
Type
Cigarette Case
Maker
Asprey & Co. London. Founded in 1781, Asprey is one of the world's most prestigious luxury retailers, holding royal warrants for every British monarch since Queen Victoria. They are synonymous with high-end craftsmanship and supplying the British aristocracy.
Material
Sterling Silver (.925 purity) with a Vermeil (gold-washed) interior. The gilding inside was designed to prevent the silver from tainting the tobacco and for aesthetic luxury.
Dimensions
Estimated dimensions 8cm x 10cm x 1cm; weight approximately 120-150 grams. This size is consistent with standard 'interwar' period cigarette cases designed for waistcoat pockets.
Description
An exquisite example of British inter-war luxury, this sterling silver cigarette case by Asprey & Co. exemplifies the refinement of the Art Deco period. The interior glows with its original gold vermeil wash, while the hallmarks are struck with the clarity expected of a premiere luxury house. Its curved form is ergonomically designed for the refined gentleman's pocket, serving as both a functional object and a high-status fashion accessory.
Key Features
The most distinguishing features are the clear 'Asprey London' retailer stamp, the high-quality five-barrel hinge, and the patent number which highlights the technical innovation Asprey applied to even simple accessories.
Material & Composition
Sterling Silver (.925 purity) with a Vermeil (gold-washed) interior. The gilding inside was designed to prevent the silver from tainting the tobacco and for aesthetic luxury.
Finish & Decoration
The interior features a rich gold-washed satin finish (vermeil). The exterior (partially visible) likely features engine-turning or a high-polish finish. The design follows the Art Deco aesthetic of sleek, clean lines.
Hallmarks & Stamps
London Hallmarks: 'A&CoLd' maker's mark for Asprey & Co Ltd; Lion Passant (British sterling purity mark); Leopard's Head (Assay office for London); Date letter 'N' (corresponding to 1928). Also stamped 'ASPREY LONDON' and 'ASPREY'S PATENT NO. 21914'.
Construction Details
Precision die-struck and hand-finished panels. The case features a flush-integrated five-part hinge and a precise push-button thumb piece for opening. The curved profile ('waisted') suggests it was designed to fit comfortably against the body.
Functional Features
Features a patent-protected internal mechanism indicated by 'ASPREY'S PATENT NO. 21914'. Includes a sprung thumb-latch. The interior would originally have held an elasticated fabric band to secure cigarettes in place.
Handle & Grip Details
The thumb-piece is a integrated silver push-button. The hinge mechanism is exceptionally smooth, characteristic of Asprey's superior tolerances and engineering.
Craftsmanship Details
The quality is evident in the 'snap' of the closure and the invisible seam of the hinge. The hallmark striking is deep and even, indicative of a piece that was never mass-produced but hand-checked for quality.
Authentication Indicators
Hallmark consistency is perfect; the maker's mark 'A&CoLd' matches the registry for Asprey in 1928. The patent number corresponds to Asprey's historical filings. The construction quality of the hinge is far superior to contemporary silver-plated reproductions.
Origin & Manufacturing
London, England. Produced in the Asprey workshops or by a high-end specialist sub-contractor specifically for their New Bond Street retail location.
Era & Period
Art Deco (1920-1940). The clean hallmark strikes, patent numbers, and the 'N' date letter for 1928 firmly place this in the roaring twenties, reflecting the sophisticated smoking culture of the time.
Age Estimate
Dated exactly to 1928 based on the London 'N' date letter hallmark.
Cultural Significance
Represents the height of tobacco culture as a social ritual of the upper classes. In the 1920s, a silver cigarette case was a primary indicator of a gentleman's status and attention to detail.
Condition Notes
Excellent condition. The vermeil interior shows very light rubbing but retains deep color. The hallmarks are crisp and not worn away by over-polishing. The 'waisted' curve is aligned without warping. Grade: Excellent.
Value Estimate
$400 - $750 USD. Values for Asprey silver carry a brand premium; condition and the presence of the original vermeil interior significantly uphold the price.
Care & Maintenance
Clean with a soft microfiber cloth. Avoid immersion in silver 'dips' which can strip the gold vermeil interior. Use a specialized silver cream like Wright's for the exterior only when tarnish appears.
Similar Pieces
Dunhill silver cases (often more industrial/mechanical), Cartier (often with gemstones/enamel), or Gorham (American equivalent, usually wider and heavier). Asprey pieces are distinguished by their specific London assay and thin, elegant profiles.
Interesting Facts
Asprey cigarette cases were popular gifts among British royalty and are frequently seen in period dramas like Downton Abbey. The use of 'Patents' in silver cases was a way to market 'smoke-tight' or 'easy-access' designs during the height of the cigarette's popularity.