Antique Jewellery Box in Coromandel with Betjemann Patent Mechanism, by Asprey

This antique jewellery box, veneered in Coromandel and edged with brass, was manufactured by Betjemann & Sons and retailed by Asprey during the late 1880's.

The interior is lined with Morocco leather and purple velvet. The front flap of the box drops forward, allowing the top two partitioned sections to hinge out at right-angles to the box. The central section beneath contains a removable velvet-lined tray, a leather lined base compartment, along with two small concealed pull-out drawers. The partitioned rear section of the box is fitted with a small removable leather-bound tray.

The ruched velvet panel in the lid can be sprung forward and reversed to display a leather framed mirror. Removing this panel reveals a leather-bound letter wallet behind. The right-hand hinge of the box has incremental ridges that adjust the lid angle, thus altering the mirror's viewing angle.

An engraved brass plate on the inside of the lid reads 'Asprey - London'.

The Bramah lock, engraved with 'Asprey - London', is fully working and comes with its original Bramah key. ... Read More