A presentation silver cigarette case

A presentation silver cigarette case,

by Asprey and Co. Ltd, London 1930,

rectangular slide-action form, engine-turned decoration, gilded interior, signed 'To R.K. Pierson from Malcolm Campbell', and inscribed 'In sincere appreciation for valuable services rendered in connection with The Blue Bird', length 10.5cm, approx. weight 5.1oz.

Provenance: Rex Pierson, (1891-1948) then by descent to the current owner. Rex Pierson was the chief designer at Vickers in the 1930's. in 1917 he designed the Vickers Vimy biplane heavy bomber, and other designs included the Vickers Wellesley and Vespa. He was also the chief designer on the Wellington bomber, which played such a significant role in World War II. In June 1931, Vickers' Wind tunnel was used to test a version of the Napier Engine Blue Bird.