This is a special item for the collector of old Asprey silverware.
This is an old matchbook cover. It is not for a small "standard" matchbox but for a larger box. The box would be put on a tabletop or on a desk in a den. It probably pre-dates portable lighters.
It is hallmarked for 1920 (I think that it is the letter "e" for that year) and also is impressed with the retailer's name: ASPREY. And the mark: A & Co. Ltd for Asprey.
It is in nice condition and bears a crest on the top: a simple capital letter N surmounted with a Ducal coronet. Great Gift for someone with a first or second name beginning with this letter and has delusions of grandeur! I have been unable to identify this armorial.
Not many of these pieces have survived and these large box covers are now hard to find. This is reflected in my asking price. The interior card matchbox is an old Swan Vesta box that has been customized to be double-height. I think that these boxes are still available, so you could probably make a new pristine one quite easily.
Condition. It is in very good antique condition. No nasty scratches. There is one tiny dent on the bottom of the box (opposite to the letter monogram).
Dimensions: 7.5 x 5 x 2.8 cm. Nice weight of silver in it. It comes in at 72 grams in weight, so priced a little over the scrap weight.
I Hope that my photographs do it justice. It has been difficult to take the image due to the rather mirror sheen on the silver surface.
Shall send it to you with Royal Mail Tracked Delivery. This will be applied at checkout. Please select a signed for option so I can have insurance applied to the parcel.