Asprey Antique Jewellery Box in Coromandel with Betjemann Patent Mechanism

This antique jewellery box in Coromandel was manufactured by Betjemann & Sons and retailed by Asprey & Son during the early 1880's.

The interior is lined with blue velvet, accompanying matching Morocco leather. The front flap of the box drops forward to allow the top two sections, fitted with partitioned compartments and ring/ cuff link channels, to hinge out at right-angles to the box. The central section beneath contains a removable velvet-lined tray, and a velvet-lined base compartment. The rear section of the box is fitted with a removable leather-bound tray along with a further compartment underneath.

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.

A gold-tooled maker's mark in the front flap of the box reads 'Asprey & Son - 166 Bond St and 22 Albemarle St'.

The Bramah lock, stamped with 'Asprey - 166 Bond Street' is fully working and comes with its original Bramah key. ... Read More