ANTIQUE 1908 ASPREY & CO LONDON SILVER SHAGREEN SNUFF PILL BOX SLIDING HINGE BOX
A superb antique ASPREY & CO LONDON SILVER & SHAGREEN BOX, hallmarked for:
1908
and featuring an ingenious:
SLIDING OPENING MECHANISM WITH HINGED LID
The mechanism operates well: the box slides to open, the hinge holds the lid open securely, and it closes tightly.
A beautifully made Edwardian luxury object combining:
HALLMARKED SILVER
TEXTURED SHAGREEN
ASPREY QUALITY
CLEVER MECHANICAL DESIGN
with excellent collector appeal.
Details
Maker / Retailer: Asprey & Co, London
Date: 1908
Period: Edwardian
Material: Silver & Shagreen
Type: Snuff Box / Pill Box / Small Personal Box
Mechanism: Sliding Release / Hinged Lid
Function: Opens correctly, hinge holds open, closes tightly
Origin: London, England
Please refer to the photographs for the exact dimensions, weight, hallmarks, internal finish and condition.
Asprey & Co London
ASPREY & CO
is one of the most famous names in British luxury goods.
Founded in the 18th century, Asprey became internationally known for producing and retailing finely made:
SILVER
JEWELLERY
LEATHER GOODS
DRESSING CASES
DESK ACCESSORIES
LUXURY OBJECTS
for an affluent and often aristocratic clientele.
Antique Asprey pieces are especially desirable when they retain clear period hallmarks and unusual construction.
1908 Edwardian Date
The hallmark date of:
1908
places the piece firmly in the:
EDWARDIAN PERIOD
a time when British luxury accessories often combined traditional craftsmanship with increasingly refined mechanical design.
The juxtaposition of silver and shagreen gives the box a sophisticated appearance typical of high-quality Edwardian personal objects.
Silver & Shagreen
The exterior combines:
POLISHED SILVER MOUNTS
with:
TEXTURED SHAGREEN PANELS
creating a strong visual contrast between the smooth metal and naturally pebbled surface.
Shagreen was traditionally produced from ray or shark skin and was prized for its:
DURABILITY
TEXTURE
EXOTIC APPEARANCE
LUXURY ASSOCIATIONS
It was widely used on expensive boxes, cases, desk objects and vanity accessories.
Sliding Opening Mechanism
One of the best features of the box is its unusual:
SLIDING OPENING ACTION
The mechanism is currently functioning as intended.
The box:
SLIDES TO OPEN
HINGE HOLDS THE LID OPEN
CLOSES TIGHTLY
This adds considerable tactile appeal and demonstrates the quality of the original construction.
Please refer to the photographs for the exact movement and mechanical arrangement.
Snuff / Pill Box Use
The compact form would suit use as a:
SNUFF BOX
PILL BOX
SMALL PERSONAL BOX
DESK / POCKET ACCESSORY
Without surviving contents or original paperwork, it is difficult to determine a single definitive original function.
For that reason, I have retained both snuff box and pill box terminology.
Edwardian Luxury Object
Small boxes of this quality were often intended as practical personal luxuries.
The combination of:
PRECIOUS METAL
SHAGREEN
PRECISION FITTING
COMPACT FORM
makes this example especially appealing to collectors of fine Edwardian accessories.
Collector Appeal
This piece should appeal to collectors of:
Asprey & Co
Antique Silver
Edwardian Silver
Shagreen
Snuff Boxes
Pill Boxes
Luxury Deskware
British Silversmithing
Antique Mechanical Boxes
London Silver
Highlights
ASPREY & CO LONDON
DATED 1908
HALLMARKED SILVER
SHAGREEN EXTERIOR
SLIDING OPENING MECHANISM
Hinge holds open correctly
Closes tightly
Edwardian period
Compact luxury box
Excellent tactile quality
Strong collector appeal
A particularly attractive 1908 Asprey & Co silver and shagreen box, enhanced by an unusual and fully functioning sliding / hinged opening mechanism.
Condition & Function
The box is in honest antique condition with wear consistent with age and use.
Importantly, the mechanism is functioning well:
THE BOX SLIDES OPEN
THE HINGE HOLDS THE LID OPEN
THE LID CLOSES TIGHTLY
Please inspect the photographs carefully for any:
SHAGREEN RUBBING
SURFACE WEAR
COLOUR VARIATION
SILVER SCRATCHES
MINOR DINGS
EDGE WEAR
INTERIOR MARKS
HINGE WEAR
OLD REPAIRS
GENERAL AGE-RELATED PATINATION
where visible.
The silver maker, assay office and date should be confirmed from the hallmarks shown in the photographs.
The shagreen description is based on appearance and traditional construction.
Condition & Attribution
This is an authentic antique luxury box associated with Asprey & Co London and dated 1908 according to the supplied hallmark information.
The precise original function is described broadly as snuff / pill box unless original Asprey documentation identifies a more specific intended use.
Please use the photographs as the definitive guide to the hallmarks, construction, measurements, mechanism and condition.
🖼️ Item Condition:
This item is in honest antique condition. The sliding mechanism works correctly, the hinge holds the lid open, and the box closes tightly.
I’ve included detailed photographs to show the condition, size, weight, hallmarks and mechanism, so please review them carefully before placing your bid.
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