Asprey David Edwards Rosewood Vanity Box

Description

 Sterling Silver Fittings by Thomas Johnson of London Dated 1862

From our Vanity Box collection, we are pleased to offer this Rosewood Vanity Box by David Edwards for Asprey London. The vanity box of rectangular form edged in brass with framed brass stringing to the front and lid veneered in Rosewood with a single barrel escutcheon. The interior of the Vanity Box is fully fitted with a complete vanity set featuring a hidden inner mirror and blotter bordered by gold tooling, 8 hobnail cut glass jars with sterling silver lids hallmarked by Thomas Johnson of London and Dated 1862 and  three lift out trays with various compartments. The top two tray lift out via the side tabs, the front tray is fitted with the glass jars of varying sizes and shapes with the rear removable tray fitted extensively with a full tool tray having mother of pearl handles. Once both trays are removed the rear contains a single storage area, while the front reveals a third removable tray for jewellery. Beneath the third tray is further storage for larger jewellery.  The box is finished with a secure bramah lock signed to the lock plate, Asprey retailer and manufacture mark to the rear reading Asprey, Manufacture to her Majesty 166 Bond St. W. and the signature style of David Edwards with brass stringing to the face ending in dots.

Asprey was established in 1781 by William Asprey in central London. Asprey advertised ‘articles of exclusive design and high quality, whether for personal adornment or personal accompaniment and to endow with richness and beauty the table and homes of people of refinement and discernment.’ The company grew and began to acquire several manufacturing facilities and hired silversmiths, goldsmiths, jewellers and watchmakers including Ernest Betjeman. In 1859, Asprey bought ‘Edwards’, a Royal Warrant holder and award winning dressing case maker. In 1862 Asprey was granted its first Royal Warrant by Queen Victoria and the company enjoyed a long relationship with various members of the British Royal Family.

David Edwards was a renowned Cabinet maker from London holding a Royal Warrant specialising in Dressing Cases & Writing Slopes. Edwards established his cabinet making business in 1813 based at 84 St James’s Street, London. He remained at this address for only a year before moving to 21 King Street, Bloomsbury, London. As the Edwards company grew in both size and reputation Davids nephew Thomas Edwards joined the business in 1832 and took full control after David died in 1848. The firm earned the Royal Warrant from George IV, William IV and Queen Victoria which also included the Royal Family. The company’s mark changing accordingly under her Majesty’s reign.

The firm won a prize medal for excellence of workmanship at the Great Exhibition of 1851 when it was taken over by Thomas’s son, Thomas Jeyes Edwards. Thomas Jeyes Edwards continued to run the business until 1858 when it was bought out by Aspreys of London of which Thomas Jeyes took employment until his retirement in 1872. The company throughout its duration made exceptional quality boxes with substantial brass work often incorporating Bramah locks with the boxes. Thomas Jeyes remained at the forefront up until the firm of Edwards was absorbed into Asprey in 1858. He continued on to work for Asprey until his retirement in 1872. Edwards boxes are sought after today due to their renowned craftsmanship and the notoriety of the Royal Warrant.

Rosewood has many variations. Indian Rosewood, also known as Bombay Rosewood or Bombay Blackwood, is found in India and Indonesia. It is highly valued for its striking appearance with colours ranging from medium-brown to dark red-brown with even darker grain lines. Madagascan Rosewood, found in Madagascar is a pink-brown colour with a darker almost purple grain.

With every purchase from Mark Goodger Antiques, you will receive our latest catalogue, a Certificate of Authenticity, detailed care instructions for your chosen piece and an independent invoice (for insurance purposes) will be enclosed. As well as being protected by a no-hassle, money-back policy, your piece will be entirely insured during the shipping process to ensure the safety of your item.

Additional information