Asprey  silver and gold hip flask, Chester  1912
A fine quality Asprey's of London silver and gold topped hip flask, Chester dated 1912, approx. 12 x 6 CMS.
This is a particularly attractive hip flask  and would look at home being used in the city or on long country walks! Both pieces  bear the makers initials A & Co. Ltd. for the most famous of English retailer's, Asprey & Company Ltd. of Bond Street, London, Mayfair. marks slightly worn see photos. Top has monogram
 Apologies for any reflections in photos
 The flask is in overall very good condition , the silver has no dents, dings, or signs of repair. There are just the usual signs of age/minor use 
 There are no chips on the glass, thread, or rim. One or two very small air bubbles . 
The cup is removable , or you could just drink from the top !!
The hip flask began to appear in the form it is recognized today in the 18th century, initially used by members of the gentry.
Less compact versions had been in production for several centuries. Notably, in the Middle Ages, there are several accounts of gutted fruit being used to store liquor. During the 18th century, women boarding docked British warships would smuggle gin into the ship via makeshift flasks, created from pig's bladders and hidden inside their petticoats. Following the act of prohibition in 1920s America, the state of Indiana banned the sale of cocktail shakers and hip flasks.
Antique hip flasks, particularly those made of silver, are now sought-after collector's items.