Antique Jewellery Box in Solid Mahogany, by Asprey

This antique jewellery box, with its brass strapping, recessed brass handles and radial-edged design, is made from solid mahogany. Contrary to conventional expectations, it was manufactured by Asprey and dates from the early 1850s.

The leather-bound interior of the box is lined and ruched with blue velvet. The front section contains a removable jewellery tray, whilst the rear section has fixed compartments (one of which is lidded).

A leather panel on the inside of the lid displays an embossed, gold-tooled maker's mark that reads, ‘ASPREY. MANUFACTURER TO HER MAJESTY. 166. BOND ST. W’.

The top escutcheon is engraved with a heraldic crest of a ‘Demi-Talbot (hunting dog), gorged with collar, out of a Demi-tower.’

The Bramah lock is fully working and comes with its original Bramah key.

Comments:

I purchased this box not only because of its quality throughout, but also because it was of such an uncharacteristic design for Asprey to have manufactured. I have never seen a similar box by Asprey, so I consider this piece a particular rarity.

Ref: DL203