Antique Jewellery Box in Coromandel with Betjemann Patent Cantilever Mechanism

This fine antique jewellery box, veneered in figured Coromandel wood and enhanced by brass edging and a Bramah lock, dates from the early 1880s.

This box features an extraordinary mechanism whereby the interior cantilevers out into six compartmented tiers. This mechanism, considered as one of the pinnacles of box-making, was designed and patented by George Betjemann & Sons.

Lined with blue velvet, two partitioned compartments are visible upon opening the box. The front flap drops forward to allow these two compartments to swing outward at right-angles to the box, revealing another two partitioned compartments underneath.

These two secondary spring-loaded compartments also cantilever out, housing concealed spring-loaded drawers within them that can be deployed at the push of a button. With the box fully opened up, the deep rear compartment, with its foliate brass gallery frontage, and velvet-lined central base section are unveiled.

The Bramah lock is fully working and comes with a key. ... Read More