Asprey, London

with a boxwood lining

Possibly Winston Churchill, Christopher Soames or Mary Soames

This elegant box is generally in good order. The ivory inlay is discolored. The yew veneered surface appears to have been repolished and this may explain why the ivory is discolored. The front right ivory molding has a small filet of repair to the mitered corner. There is also a minor age crack to the timber at this site. There are minor chips to the ivory. The metal Bramah style key hole is tarnished, and there is no key. In our opinion the interior of the box has a later cedar lining, most probably a replacement of the same. There are no divisions, but there may have been some formally. There is a minor chip to the yew veneer, this is visible when the lid is opened. The interior appears to have some drips of varnish or lacquer, possible from when the box was repolished. The box is of good quality with sympathetic repairs and restorations consistent with age and use. It is, though, an atmospheric lot whether it was acquired by either the Churchill's or Soames family.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

Winston's love of cigars is legendary but it is less well known that his daughter Mary also inherited this pastime. Her daughter Emma remembers wonderful competitions between Mary and Winston to see whose cigar could support the bigger tip of ash. 

Established in 1781 Asprey has been based at 167 New Bond Street, London since 1847, a constant in the ever changing landscape of luxury retail. From this flagship store Asprey has supplied ‘articles of exclusive design and high quality… to endow with richness and beauty the table and homes of people of refinement and discernment’ to statesmen, industrialists and royalty alike. Receiving Royal warrants from the last five British monarchs has cemented Asprey’s status as an example of British taste and elegance. It is not surprising therefore that both the Churchill and Soames families kept their cigars safely inside an Asprey humidor.

Whilst not definitive it could be that this humidor is possibly one of the stylised boxes which features in Bottlescape painted by Winston in 1926 (C177, National Trust, Chartwell).