Antique Jewellery Box in Coromandel with Betjemann Patent 'Automatic' Mechanism, by Leuchars
Ref DL105
SOLD
Dating from 1870, this antique jewellery box in Coromandel was designed and manufactured by George Betjemann & Sons, innovators of some of the finest and most creative mechanisms in cabinet-making.
This Betjemann Patent mechanism (Patent No.93) operates so that as the lid of the box is raised, the two winged side trays and the front panel automatically open out simultaneously; this action is then reversed as the lid is lowered.
The leather-bound interior is finished with purple velvet and Moiré silk. Both winged sections contain four small jewellery compartments. The central leather-bound tray can be removed to reveal a lower secondary partitioned tray with a ring/ cuff link channel. The rear compartment of the box holds a small removable leather-bound box lined with a matching purple velvet and moiré silk interior.
A push-button at the rear of the box deploys a spring-loaded, Satinwood framed front drawer. Unusually, with both trays removed from the central section, direct overhead access to this drawer (when closed) can be still gained. With the drawer open, two further small concealed drawers behind become accessible.
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.
An engraved brass plate, set into the front edge of the drop-front panel, bears the retailer's mark of 'Leuchars & Son - 38 & 39 Piccadilly, London'. This relates to William Leuchars Sr and William Leuchars Jr, highly respected London manufacturers and retailers who were subsequently acquired by the firm of Asprey in 1888.
The mark of 'Betjemann's 93' and 'Patent 93' 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.93) operates so that as the lid of the box is raised, the two winged side trays and the front panel automatically open out simultaneously; this action is then reversed as the lid is lowered.
The leather-bound interior is finished with purple velvet and Moiré silk. Both winged sections contain four small jewellery compartments. The central leather-bound tray can be removed to reveal a lower secondary partitioned tray with a ring/ cuff link channel. The rear compartment of the box holds a small removable leather-bound box lined with a matching purple velvet and moiré silk interior.
A push-button at the rear of the box deploys a spring-loaded, Satinwood framed front drawer. Unusually, with both trays removed from the central section, direct overhead access to this drawer (when closed) can be still gained. With the drawer open, two further small concealed drawers behind become accessible.
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.
An engraved brass plate, set into the front edge of the drop-front panel, bears the retailer's mark of 'Leuchars & Son - 38 & 39 Piccadilly, London'. This relates to William Leuchars Sr and William Leuchars Jr, highly respected London manufacturers and retailers who were subsequently acquired by the firm of Asprey in 1888.
The mark of 'Betjemann's 93' and 'Patent 93' 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: 34.2 cm / 13.5 inches
- Depth: 25.5 cm / 10 inches
- Height: 22.3 cm / 8.75 inches
