A remarkable and highly decorative antique wine merchant’s presentation or sampling set associated with Aquilino Bobo of Nava del Rey, Spain, an historic wine-producing town in the province of Valladolid.
The set is housed within its original rectangular travelling case, finished in richly aged burgundy-coloured textured covering and fitted with a carrying handle, metal hardware and twin front closures. Opening the case reveals a striking emerald-green fitted interior, embellished with decorative gold-coloured embroidery identifying the producer:
“Aquilino Bobo”
“Nava del Rey”
The lower compartment is specially constructed with ten individual circular wells, each designed to secure one of the accompanying clear glass bottles during transport. The fitted green lining is decorated with embroidered floral motifs and contrasting burgundy trim, creating an unexpectedly luxurious presentation for what was likely once a practical commercial wine-sampling set.
Included are ten clear glass bottles, each fitted with its own ground-glass stopper. The bottles display subtly varied hand-finished stopper forms, including rounded, oval and elongated designs, lending the group considerable character. One stopper retains an old red thread or seal remnant.
Sets of this nature would likely have been used by a wine producer, merchant or travelling representative to transport samples for presentation to prospective buyers, restaurants, distributors or private clients. Rather than carrying full bottles, a compact fitted case allowed several individual wines, vintages or samples to be presented in an organized and professional manner.
Nava del Rey has long been associated with viticulture and traditional Castilian wine production. This surviving set offers an evocative connection to Spain’s historic wine trade and to the producer whose name remains prominently displayed within the lid.
Producer: Aquilino Bobo
Origin: Nava del Rey, Valladolid, Spain
Type: Wine merchant’s travelling sample or presentation set
Includes: Original fitted case and ten clear glass bottles
Bottle closures: Individual ground-glass stoppers
Interior: Emerald-green fitted lining with embroidered decoration
Inscription: “Aquilino Bobo — Nava del Rey”
Exterior: Burgundy-coloured textured travelling case with handle and metal fittings
Period: 1930s approx.
Materials: Glass, textile, metal and leather-like case covering
Presented in authentic antique condition with wear consistent with age and historic use. The case shows rubbing, scuffs, edge wear and losses to the exterior covering. The handle and metal fittings display age-related wear and patination. The interior lining has staining, fading, surface wear and localized deterioration. The glass bottles show cloudiness, residue, minor surface marks and manufacturing irregularities associated with older glass.
The set contains all ten bottles in original condition. One chip is noted on one of the bottles.
Two of the original paper bottle holders are missing as shown in the pictures.
A rare and visually compelling piece of Spanish wine history—equally suited to an antique collection, wine cellar, restaurant interior, winery display or sophisticated bar setting. Its original fitted presentation, richly coloured interior and identifiable producer make this an especially engaging survivor from the traditional European wine trade.
Case measures approx. 12”W 5.5”D x 6”H
A remarkable and highly decorative antique wine merchant’s presentation or sampling set associated with Aquilino Bobo of Nava del Rey, Spain, an historic wine-producing town in the province of Valladolid.
The set is housed within its original rectangular travelling case, finished in richly aged burgundy-coloured textured covering and fitted with a carrying handle, metal hardware and twin front closures. Opening the case reveals a striking emerald-green fitted interior, embellished with decorative gold-coloured embroidery identifying the producer:
“Aquilino Bobo”
“Nava del Rey”
The lower compartment is specially constructed with ten individual circular wells, each designed to secure one of the accompanying clear glass bottles during transport. The fitted green lining is decorated with embroidered floral motifs and contrasting burgundy trim, creating an unexpectedly luxurious presentation for what was likely once a practical commercial wine-sampling set.
Included are ten clear glass bottles, each fitted with its own ground-glass stopper. The bottles display subtly varied hand-finished stopper forms, including rounded, oval and elongated designs, lending the group considerable character. One stopper retains an old red thread or seal remnant.
Sets of this nature would likely have been used by a wine producer, merchant or travelling representative to transport samples for presentation to prospective buyers, restaurants, distributors or private clients. Rather than carrying full bottles, a compact fitted case allowed several individual wines, vintages or samples to be presented in an organized and professional manner.
Nava del Rey has long been associated with viticulture and traditional Castilian wine production. This surviving set offers an evocative connection to Spain’s historic wine trade and to the producer whose name remains prominently displayed within the lid.
Producer: Aquilino Bobo
Origin: Nava del Rey, Valladolid, Spain
Type: Wine merchant’s travelling sample or presentation set
Includes: Original fitted case and ten clear glass bottles
Bottle closures: Individual ground-glass stoppers
Interior: Emerald-green fitted lining with embroidered decoration
Inscription: “Aquilino Bobo — Nava del Rey”
Exterior: Burgundy-coloured textured travelling case with handle and metal fittings
Period: 1930s approx.
Materials: Glass, textile, metal and leather-like case covering
Presented in authentic antique condition with wear consistent with age and historic use. The case shows rubbing, scuffs, edge wear and losses to the exterior covering. The handle and metal fittings display age-related wear and patination. The interior lining has staining, fading, surface wear and localized deterioration. The glass bottles show cloudiness, residue, minor surface marks and manufacturing irregularities associated with older glass.
The set contains all ten bottles in original condition. One chip is noted on one of the bottles.
Two of the original paper bottle holders are missing as shown in the pictures.
A rare and visually compelling piece of Spanish wine history—equally suited to an antique collection, wine cellar, restaurant interior, winery display or sophisticated bar setting. Its original fitted presentation, richly coloured interior and identifiable producer make this an especially engaging survivor from the traditional European wine trade.
Case measures approx. 12”W 5.5”D x 6”H
