Set of 4, 19th Century Charles Asprey & Son Victorian Pietra Dura Olivewood Desk

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A rare matched Victorian desk suite retailed by Charles Asprey & Son, 166 Bond Street, London - the brass plaque … Read more A rare matched Victorian desk suite retailed by Charles Asprey & Son, 166 Bond Street, London - the brass plaque inside the box reads "Charles Asprey & Son, 166 Bond St W." Asprey traded from this address from 1847, dating the set to c.1850-1875.

Veneered in dramatically figured olivewood (walnut family), each piece mounted with Florentine pietra dura hardstone roundels - lapis lazuli, jasper and green hardstone flowers on black marble - in gilt-brass rope-twist bezels.

The stationery box has a large oval pietra dura panel to the lid, two roundels to the front, original gilt-brass escutcheon, working lock with original key, and the original interior: blue moire silk to the lid and a fitted stationery rack of red leather-edged divisions lined in cream moire. Pair of gilt-brass candlesticks with wrythen (twist) stems and knopped columns on domed olivewood bases, each base set with three small pietra dura roundels. Matching pen tray with two roundels.

Dimensions: stationery box 9.25 in long x 5.75 in deep x 7.5 in high; candlesticks 7.5 in high with 5 in diameter bases; pen tray 11.25 x 3.75 in.

Condition: good antique condition, unrestored. Crack to one end of the pen tray base (see photo). One roundel on the tray and one on a candlestick base are faded/worn. Light staining to the blue lid silk. Minor rubbing to gilt. Lock works, key present, hinges sound. Candlesticks have later brass candle sleeves. See less