Antique Jewellery Box in Coromandel with Betjemann Patent 'Automatic' Mechanism, Retailed by Henry William Bedford

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 lid is mounted with a central decoratively engraved family crest belonging to the Lamplugh family of Sutton, England.

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 blue velvet and moiré silk. The central area of the box houses three removable leather-bound trays, the lowest of which is fitted with six compartments and a ring/ cuff link channel. With all the trays removed, two small concealed leather-bound drawers behind become accessible.

A brass plate on the front flap of the box bears the engraved retailer's mark of, ‘Bedford - 67 Regent St W’, referring to Henry William Bedford.

The mark of 'Betjemann's 165’ and 'Patent 165’ 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