Rare Asprey Art Deco Engine Turned Antique English Sterling Silver Cigarette Case Vesta Case in Presentation Box Luxury Tobacciana

Details

Description

This exceptional English engine-turned sterling silver vesta case and cigarette case set by Asprey of London represents the pinnacle of … Read more This exceptional English engine-turned sterling silver vesta case and cigarette case set by Asprey of London represents the pinnacle of early 20th-century luxury craftsmanship, design innovation, and exclusivity. Rarely encountered as a matching, custom-made set in its original Asprey presentation box, this ensemble stands as a museum-quality example of British silver artistry from the golden age of gentleman’s accessories.

Crafted in 1920 and executed in solid sterling silver, both pieces are richly embellished with precise engine-turned panels, framed by gold-plated sterling borders and accented with matching gold escutcheons engraved with the initials JGM. Each escutcheon is secured with four tiny rivets, a detail that underscores the meticulous construction. Both cases are double-mounted, with identical patterns on front and back, and feature delicate gold-washed interiors, softly mellowed through light, careful cleaning over the last century.

Original Asprey Presentation Case
The set is housed in its original French-recessed Asprey presentation box, measuring 9” x 4 1/2” x 7/8”, crafted from dark grey textured leather with a decorative gold border. The sculpted interior is lined in beige velvet with a beige coping border, while the lid is finished in off-white silk, maker-marked with a Crown, ASPREY, 166 BOND ST, LONDON, a location Asprey has occupied since 1847. Both the top and bottom interiors are edged with fine gold borders, and original silk pull ribbons remain in place for safely lifting each piece from its recess.

Patented Asprey Engineering
At the heart of this set is Asprey’s patented spring-loaded hinge and hidden slip-joint opening mechanism, a brilliant example of discreet luxury engineering. When closed, there is no visible means of opening either case. Instead, the spring-assisted piano hinge allows the halves to shift vertically approximately 1/8 inch, enabling a concealed L-shaped internal hook to disengage from its hidden slot. Once released, the spring mechanism opens the case automatically. Closing requires gentle compression and precise alignment—an elegant, almost ceremonial interaction that reflects Asprey’s devotion to refinement and ingenuity.

Vesta Case (Match Safe)
Dimensions: 2 1/4” x 1 3/4” x 3/8”
Weight: 2.0 ounces / 57 grams
Features: Match pouch and rigid strike plate
Hallmarks: Lion Passant (Sterling), Leopard’s Head (London), date letter e (1920), ASPREY LONDON, and A & Co. Ltd. (registered 1909, used 1908–1944), plus the Asprey patent mark
The compact hinge length allows the patented mechanism to function flawlessly, opening crisply and smoothly.

Cigarette Case
Dimensions: 3 1/4” x 5 1/16” x 3/8”
Weight: 7.1 ounces / 203 grams
Features: Original blue elastic cigarette band intact
Hallmarks: Assembly #5, Lion Passant, Leopard’s Head, date letter e (1920), ASPREY LONDON, and A & Co. Ltd.
The longer piano hinge, typical of cigarette cases, shows slight stiffness consistent with age and tight tolerances. The patented system remains intact and functional requiring a but more push effort to engage. There is a slight gap to the upper right corner.

Collectability & Significance
Asprey occupies in Britain and Europe the same exalted position that Tiffany & Co. holds in the United States. Founded in 1781, Asprey became synonymous with aristocratic taste, royal patronage, and technical excellence, earning international acclaim. Pieces such as this were commissioned by discerning clients who demanded not only beauty, but innovation and discretion.

This complete Asprey vesta and cigarette case set, preserved with its original presentation case, matching hallmarks, patented mechanisms, and engraved personalization, would be the centerpiece of any serious Tobacciana, Asprey, or luxury silver collection. It is equally suited for high-end display, scholarly reference, or careful ceremonial use, embodying the elegance, intellect, and craftsmanship of London’s most prestigious luxury house. See less