Asprey & Co. Engine-Turned Silver Plate Cigarette Case or Vanity Object
Personal Accessory - Cigarette Case or Vanity Compact · Asprey & Co. of London. Founded in 1781, Asprey is a world-renowned luxury retailer and silversmith with a long history of Royal Warrants, serving monarchs and high-society clientele with high-end luxury goods and silver.
Pattern: Gentleman's Engine-Turned Linear Pattern (Mid-20th Century Production)
Type
Personal Accessory - Cigarette Case or Vanity Compact
Maker
Asprey & Co. of London. Founded in 1781, Asprey is a world-renowned luxury retailer and silversmith with a long history of Royal Warrants, serving monarchs and high-society clientele with high-end luxury goods and silver.
Material
Silver Plate (Electroplated Nickel Silver - EPNS). While the brand is prestigious, the 'SILVER PLATED' stamp indicates a base metal of nickel silver or brass coated in a layer of fine silver.
Dimensions
Estimated 8cm to 12cm in length based on typical cigarette case proportions. Weight is approximately 150-200g depending on the base metal gauge.
Description
An elegant and functional silver-plated accessory by the prestigious house of Asprey London. Featuring a classic engine-turned linear design, this piece represents the understated luxury of the mid-20th-century British gentleman or socialite. While not solid silver, the Asprey name ensures a high standard of plating and a precise mechanical feel in the hinge and clasp mechanism.
Key Features
Asprey London retailer mark; uniform linear engine-turning; Silver Plated designation; Made in England export stamp.
Material & Composition
Silver Plate (Electroplated Nickel Silver - EPNS). While the brand is prestigious, the 'SILVER PLATED' stamp indicates a base metal of nickel silver or brass coated in a layer of fine silver.
Finish & Decoration
Machine-cut engine-turned finish (guilloché) featuring fine parallel vertical linear engraving. This provides a tactile grip and helps hide fingerprints or minor scratches. Post-Art Deco utilitarian style.
Hallmarks & Stamps
Stamped 'ASPREY LONDON' in serif font, 'SILVER PLATED' in block capitals, and 'MADE IN ENGLAND'. These are commercial retailer marks rather than official British hallmarking (which is reserved for solid silver).
Construction Details
Machine-made using die-stamped panels. The engine-turning is applied via a rose engine or linear engine. Features typical spring-loaded hinges and a thumb-push clasp common in the mid-1900s.
Functional Features
Hinged opening, likely with an internal elastic strap (if a cigarette case) or a mirror bezel (if a vanity case). The engine-turned surface is designed for durability and a sophisticated hand-feel.
Handle & Grip Details
Not applicable; grip is integrated into the textured surface of the body panels.
Craftsmanship Details
High-quality machine-tooling. The alignment of the linear patterns across the seam indicates superior quality control compared to mass-market silver-plated goods of the same period.
Authentication Indicators
The crispness of the 'ASPREY LONDON' stamp is consistent with genuine pieces. The 'MADE IN ENGLAND' mark is properly positioned for the era's trade requirements.
Origin & Manufacturing
London, England. Produced in the Asprey workshops or by a high-end contractor under the Asprey label in the United Kingdom.
Era & Period
Mid-Century Modern / Post-War (1940s-1960s). The typography and the 'Made in England' designation are characteristic of British export standards during this era.
Age Estimate
Circa 1945–1965. The cleanliness of the stamp and the linear pattern align with mid-century masculine luxury accessories.
Cultural Significance
Represents the height of British luxury retailing. During this era, carrying an Asprey-branded accessory was a significant status symbol, even if the item was silver-plated rather than sterling.
Condition Notes
Fair to Good. Visible oxidation/tarnish in the grooves of the engine turning. Some wear-through (brassiness) may be present on edges, though hard to confirm without a wide-angle shot. Tarnish is heavy in recessed areas.
Value Estimate
$75 - $150 USD. While silver plate has lower intrinsic value than sterling, the Asprey brand name provides a significant 'retailer premium' for collectors of tobacco or vanity memorabilia.
Care & Maintenance
Clean with a soft microfiber cloth and a mild silver cream like Wright's. Avoid abrasive polishes that could strip the silver layer to the base metal. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush to remove tarnish from the engine-turned grooves.
Similar Pieces
Dunhill engine-turned cases, Tiffany & Co. silver-plated vanity items, or Mappin & Webb dresser accessories. Asprey's version typically commands a higher premium due to brand prestige.
Interesting Facts
Asprey held a Royal Warrant for every British monarch from Queen Victoria to Queen Elizabeth II. Even their plated items were often gifted as high-status corporate or personal tokens.