Antique Jewellery Box in Coromandel with Betjemann Patent 'Automatic' Mechanism, by William Leuchars

Dating from 1873, 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. The casing is edged in brass and inlaid with a decorative engraved central monogram.

This Betjemann Patent mechanism 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 closed.

The interior is finished with purple velvet and moiré silk. Both winged sections contain four jewellery compartments. The central leather-bound tray is fitted with a further six compartments and a ring/ cuff link channel. With this tray removed, two small concealed leather-bound drawers behind become accessible. There is a large velvet and moiré silk-lined compartment in the base section.

An embossed leather panel on the inside of the lid displays the gold tooled maker's mark of 'W. Leuchars. Manufacturer, 38, Piccadilly. London'.

The mark of 'Betjemann's 164’ and 'Patent 164’ 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