$36.89
$54.23
Description Cast By Beddoes & Co, Birmingham From our silver collection, we’re pleased to offer a truly unique piece from Royal history, an Asprey silver and enamel telephone index that was originally kept aboard Her Majesty’s Yacht Britannia. This index is crafted in solid sterling silver and features a blue guilloché enamel lid. Inside, it holds the original roll of index paper, complete with handwritten entries listed alphabetically. Some of the names appear to be personal and are likely to have belonged to the Royal Household, possibly even written by the Queen herself. On the side of the piece is a small turning handle marked “Bates Index, The Bates MFG Co. Orange N.J. USA,” showing the American mechanical origins of the internal roll system. The silver casing bears clear hallmarks for Beddoes & Co of Birmingham, dated 1930, which places it firmly in the Art Deco period. It also carries the Asprey London retailer’s stamp and registration number. The back of the index is engraved with “Her Majesty’s Yacht Britannia,” confirming its Royal provenance. Items from Britannia are rarely available to the public and this is a fine example of Royal history tied directly to the Royal Yacht itself. This piece would have sat on a desk aboard one of the most iconic Royal vessels of the twentieth century. It represents not just a practical object from daily life on board, but a genuine part of Britain’s modern Royal story. Her Majesty’s Yacht Britannia Launched in 1953 and commissioned the following year, Her Majesty’s Yacht Britannia served the Royal Family for over four decades. During her career, she travelled more than one million nautical miles, visiting over 600 ports in 135 countries, and hosted world leaders, state occasions, and family holidays alike. The yacht became a floating symbol of British diplomacy and Royal life, remembered fondly as both a state vessel and a private retreat for Queen Elizabeth II and her family. Now permanently berthed in Edinburgh, Britannia remains one of the most celebrated Royal ships in modern history. For further information on HMY Britannia see our article Her Majesty’s Yacht Britannia A Voyage Through Royal History. Asprey was established in 1781 by William Asprey in the heart of London and has since become one of Britain’s most respected luxury brands. Originally known for offering “articles of exclusive design and high quality,” Asprey quickly developed a reputation for producing beautifully made items for personal use and refined gifting, from jewellery and leather goods to homeware and accessories. Throughout the 19th century, the company expanded rapidly, acquiring manufacturing workshops and employing expert silversmiths, goldsmiths, watchmakers, and jewellers, including the renowned Ernest Betjeman. A major turning point came in 1859, when Asprey acquired Edwards, a prestigious Royal Warrant holder known for its award-winning dressing cases. Just a few years later, in 1862, Asprey was granted its own Royal Warrant by Queen Victoria. This marked the beginning of a long-standing connection with the British Royal Family and helped cement Asprey’s place as a trusted supplier of fine goods to royalty, aristocracy, and international clientele. Today, Asprey of London continues to be recognised for its commitment to quality, detailed craftsmanship, and British tradition. The brand offers a wide range of luxury products, including fine jewellery, sterling silver, timepieces, leather accessories, and bespoke gifts, all created with the same attention to detail that has defined Asprey for over two centuries. For further information see our makers and retailers page on Asprey. Beddoes & Co Beddoes & Co was a Birmingham silversmith firm active from the early 19th to the 20th century, producing fine silver and silver-plated wares. Known for their craftsmanship and stylish designs, their pieces range from Edwardian tableware to Art Deco compacts, all marked with their maker’s stamp “B & Co”. Today, their work is sought after by collectors of English silver. For further information see our makers and retailers page on Beddoes & Co. Measurements 8cm High x 9cm Wide (not Inc handle) 10.5cm Wide Total x 12cm Deep (3.15 x 3.54 – 4.13 x 4.72 Inches) Condition Excellent antique condition with wear consistent with age With every purchase from Jacksons Antique, you will receive our latest product guide, certificate of authenticity, full tracking information so you can monitor your shipment from start to finish and our personal no-hassle, money-back policy giving you that extra confidence when purchasing. Don’t forget to sign up to our free monthly newsletter for 10% off your first online purchase.
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