A solid nine carat yellow gold, engine turned match vesta or pill box by Asprey & Co.  A very special and superb quality solid gold small match box, or vesta case with a hidden opening. This is the height of simplicity, but an example in quality. The way this most simple of pieces has been made is a thing of wonder. There is not the typical approach to box making made here; exposed hinge, thumb indented lift. This opening has a somewhat 'magic' way to exposing its contents that is not immediately apparent. The lid has to be slid a few millimeters and then the hinge is exposed enough to for the internal spring to lift it up. Originally designed as a match vesta, or case, for non-safety matches, with a striking plate at one end, today it could be used as a pill box, or a small box for containing anything desired.

The piece was made for and retailed by Asprey. This company, still in existence today, are the Cartier of England. Everything that they made was, and remains today, exceptional quality. This is why their vintage pieces stand the test of time, and work as well today as they did the year they were manufactured. The piece is in excellent condition, with the fine engine turning on the body still crisp and without damage.  There are full assay control marks for Asprey and '375' nine carat on the inside. The choice of nine carat gold over anything higher is due to this being a more durable and stronger gold than higher, softer carats. A piece like this that would have been well used, passed around, and undoubtably dropped!, needed to be strong. It has the makers mark for Frederick Thomas Buckthorpe.  Buckthorpe was a specialist box and case maker, so Asprey leaned on their expertise to create this little work of art. It has a date letter dating it to having been made in 1925, during the onset of the Art Deco period. It very much has that feel.

Although small in size, both handling and using this piece is very satisfying. It is so beautifully made, it is likely to last at least another one hundred years before it may even begin to look 'used', such is the quality. Even the design, for a piece nearly one hundred years old has the look of something very contemporary. A useful small travel box that has surpassed its initial intent to simply carry and strike matches. It is now very much a small work of   art.