Description Rare Stationery Carriage Companion From our Boxes collection, we are please to introduce this Stationery Carriage Companion by Asprey of London. The Stationery Box finished in moroccan red leather with a slanted lid features two hooks to the rear originally for mounting on a carriage. A rare example in excellent condition, the stationery set features a window on front for telling the time and a pull out address book at the base. The interior is fitted with multiple partitions and a retractable mirror which opens on a mounting showing the mirror and a reading or writing pad. The rear of the box is signed in gold, Asprey London along with matching gold on the Address book label and the front pocket houses the removable pocket watch also by Asprey of London. This carriage companion reflects the way wealthy individuals travelled during the Victorian period. Made for use in a horse drawn carriage, it provided a practical means of carrying personal items while travelling and is typical of the quality and workmanship associated with Asprey during the Victorian period circa 1870. Asprey was established in 1781 by William Asprey, and was originally set up to be a silk printing business, but soon became a luxury emporium. Located 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.’ As the business grew the company acquired 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. For further information see our Makers and Retailers page on Asprey of London. Morocco leather is a vegetable-tanned leather known for its softness, pliability, and ability to take colour. It has been widely used in the manufacture of wallets, luggage, and bookbindings. Interestingly despite its name ‘Moroccan Leather,’ Morocco was typically not the original source of the leather. Some of the highest quality Morocco leather, usually goat skin, used in book binding was sourced from Northern Nigeria and Anatolia (Turkey). First known production of morocco leather is attributed to pre-11th century Moors, in which alum tanned morocco leather was stained pink. While it was not common in England and in more northern parts of Europe until the 17th century, it has been established that Morocco leather was used in Italy pre-1600 as goat leather was more common there. Morocco leather is valued in Western countries for its use in luxury bookbindings because of its strength, suppleness, and because it enhanced any gilding. Why Buy from Mark Goodger Antiques? With over thirty five years of specialist experience, Mark Goodger Antiques is recognised internationally as a leading authority in antique boxes and related works of art. Every item offered has been personally selected by Mark, whose knowledge and judgement are trusted by collectors, institutions, museums, interior designers, and fellow dealers worldwide. Every purchase is supplied with a full supporting package for clarity and reassurance. This includes a Certificate of Authenticity, a detailed condition and care guide specific to your item, our most recent catalogue, and a separate invoice suitable for insurance and valuation purposes. Each piece is carefully examined prior to sale to ensure accuracy of description and quality. Your purchase is fully insured during transit and protected by our straightforward money back guarantee, allowing you to buy with complete confidence. We pride ourselves on transparency, expertise, and long term relationships with our clients, many of whom return to us repeatedly over decades. When you buy from Mark Goodger Antiques, you are purchasing from a specialist family business built on knowledge, trust, and an unrivalled focus on antique boxes.
