Antique Jewellery Box in Coromandel with Betjemann Patent Mechanism by Leuchars
Ref DL053
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This very special antique jewellery box, veneered in Coromandel, edged with brass, and with its bespoke designed Bramah lock, dates from the 1870's. It is the creation of George Betjemann & Sons, a class leading box manufactory and innovator of some of the finest and most creative mechanisms in cabinet-making.
This Betjemann Patent mechanism (Patent No.37) operates so that as the lid of the box raises open, the two winged side trays and the front panel simultaneously open out in unison. This almost 'automatic' action works flawlessly and so precisely that it is a testament to Betjemann's genius.
The leather-bound interior is finished and ruched with regal purple velvet. The two winged sections each comprise four small jewellery compartments and a ring/ cuff link channel. There is a large pull-out leather-bound tray in the central part of the box, exposing a deep leather lined section beneath it. Two intricately dove-tailed Coromandel and Satinwood drawers pull out from the bottom of this section. The rear compartment of the box holds a removable leather-bound box with matching purple velvet interior.
Fitted into the roof of the lid is a leather-bound, ruched velvet panel, that can spring out to reveal a framed vanity mirror on the reverse. Behind this removable panel sits a concealed leather-bound letter wallet.
This antique box displays the retailers mark of 'W. Leuchars, 38 Piccadilly, London' in gold tooling on the inside of the lid frame as well as on an engraved brass plate set into the reverse of the drop-front panel. William Leuchars was a highly respected London manufacturer and retailer who was subsequently acquired by Asprey's in 1888.
The mark of 'Betjemann's 37' and 'Patent 37' are stamped on the lower hinge mounts of the drop-front panel.
The Bramah lock is fully working and comes with its original Bramah key. ... Read More
This Betjemann Patent mechanism (Patent No.37) operates so that as the lid of the box raises open, the two winged side trays and the front panel simultaneously open out in unison. This almost 'automatic' action works flawlessly and so precisely that it is a testament to Betjemann's genius.
The leather-bound interior is finished and ruched with regal purple velvet. The two winged sections each comprise four small jewellery compartments and a ring/ cuff link channel. There is a large pull-out leather-bound tray in the central part of the box, exposing a deep leather lined section beneath it. Two intricately dove-tailed Coromandel and Satinwood drawers pull out from the bottom of this section. The rear compartment of the box holds a removable leather-bound box with matching purple velvet interior.
Fitted into the roof of the lid is a leather-bound, ruched velvet panel, that can spring out to reveal a framed vanity mirror on the reverse. Behind this removable panel sits a concealed leather-bound letter wallet.
This antique box displays the retailers mark of 'W. Leuchars, 38 Piccadilly, London' in gold tooling on the inside of the lid frame as well as on an engraved brass plate set into the reverse of the drop-front panel. William Leuchars was a highly respected London manufacturer and retailer who was subsequently acquired by Asprey's in 1888.
The mark of 'Betjemann's 37' and 'Patent 37' are stamped on the lower hinge mounts of the drop-front panel.
The Bramah lock is fully working and comes with its original Bramah key. ... Read More
- Width: 33.7 cm / 13.25 inches
- Depth: 25 cm / 9.75 inches
- Height: 20.3 cm / 8 inches
