Rare Sporting Commercial and Company history: Asser and Sherwin sign. Collector's investment

 

An exceptionally rare piece of Sporting, Commercial and Company History in fine condition, ideal for a collector's investment.

The sign can be speculatively dated. The origins of the Asser and Sherwin company are well documented - Sherwin became a manufacturer of backgammon and chess boards around 1820; an industry followed by his eldest son and grandchildren. In 1860 the Sherwin name formed a partnership with James Asser to become 'Asser and Sherwin'.

Asser and Sherwin became one of the most prominent names trading in travel goods, games and sporting equipment during the late Victorian Age, with flagship shop locations in Oxford Street and The Strand, London.

The Asser and Sherwin company, trading until 1882, gave the brand name an enduring presence in the market for high-quality products, while James Asser went on to found Turnbull and Asser, shirtmakers in Jermyn Street.

Snooker is documented as an invention of 1875, credited to Sir Neville Francis Fitzgerald Chamberlain, serving in India with the British military. The first official set of rules was published in 1882. By the late 1880s the game was established in Britain.

Speculatively, we can date the sign to the early 1880s. Showing its Indian heritage beautifully, the list of products supplied with the purchase also include the rules, should there be any newcomers to the game.

Hanging in a London store, advertising a premier product aimed at buyers from the gentry, large estates, and leisure halls for working and upper classes alike, this sign would have been a prominent advertisement for Asser and Sherwin's prestige product.

The sign is in good condition, paint on pine, with wood sound and paint still bright. Victorian paint colour preferences are beautifully represented. Marks, chips and superficial scratches are as in photographs, showing minimal wear - suggesting the piece was elevated and positioned away from general circulation.

The sign writing is of accomplished quality, and the central figure is hand carved and in relief. His period dress and the text references evoke a late Victorian age.

£35 in 1882 is roughly equivalent to £4,500 in today's money.

The sign is large: 152cm length, 32cm height and depth varies to the 3D carved character placed in centre to 3-4cm.

A beautiful historical piece evoking the entertainment and leisure of the Victorian age. As an investment item, we expect the piece to be sought after by collectors.

How do we deliver?

We'll take a day from our workshop to deliver your sign, to make sure it arrives safely at a time suited to you.

Delivery is free in mainland Great Britain. Simply send an inquiry to Margaret at Blackphonevintage to check your collection/delivery options.