Antique Jewellery Box in Coromandel with Betjemann Patent 'Automatic' Mechanism, by Hancock’s & Co.

Dating from the early 1870’s, this radial edged antique jewellery box in Coromandel features a Betjemann Patent ‘Automatic’ mechanism. The exterior casing is inlaid with brass strapping, brass stringing and brass corner mounts.

This Betjemann Patent mechanism operates so that as the lid of the box is raised, the two brass winged side trays and the front panel automatically open out simultaneously; this action is then reversed as the lid is lowered.

The compartmented interior of the box is lined with gold velvet and grosgrain silk.

There is a brass retailer’s plate to the rear of the box that is engraved with, ‘Hancock’s & Co - Jewellers and Silversmiths to the Queen’. Pressing this plate deploys the spring-loaded lower drawer which is constructed from solid Satinwood.

With the drawer removed, a spring-loaded jewellery case concealed within the floor section becomes accessible; this solid Satinwood jewellery case is removed by pushing it backwards slightly, thus unlatching it and allowing it to pop up.

The ruched velvet panel in the lid can be sprung forward and reversed to display a brass framed mirror.

The Bramah lock comes with its original key. ... Read More