Description

In the Original Fitted Case

From our Accessories collection, we are pleased to offer this Asprey Silver & Guilloche Enamel Pen Set. The Pen Set is offered in its original rectangular leather case with gold tooling to the outside with push button clasp. The interior is faced with further gold tooling and lined in beige silk with the Asprey retailers logo. The set is comprised of three implements, a fountain pen, pencil and paperknife all finished in Silver Gilt with a band of blue guilloche enamel. Each piece is hallmarked by the maker William Hornby, London and dated 1913.

Dimensions Box 2cm High x 21cm Wide x 7cm Deep, Inkpen 18cm Long, Pencil 16.7cm Long, Paper Knife 13.5cm Long

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.

Guilloche is a decorative technique in which a very precise, intricate and repetitive pattern is mechanically engraved into an underlying material via engine turning, which uses a machine of the same name.  This mechanical technique improved on more time-consuming designs achieved by hand and allowed for greater delicacy, precision, and closeness of line, as well as greater speed.

Enamel is a material made by fusing powdered glass to a substrate by firing, usually between 750 and 850 °C. The powder melts, flows, and then hardens to a smooth, durable vitreous coating. The word vitreous comes from the Latin vitreus, meaning “glassy”.

William Hornby (William James Hornby) was first recorded at 304 City Road, London before moving to 14 Soho Square, Soho, London in 1884 where he was listed in 1899 as a manufacturing goldsmith and in 1900 as a silversmith and pencil case maker. In 1900 he moved to Heddon Street just off Regent Street, London. Hornby died in 1914 and the business was continued by Henry Hill.

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