LOCKS & MECHANISMS

Spring-Loaded Mechanisms

The spring-loaded action is where an object or mechanism is held tightly against a spring, but is initially ‘locked’ into position. Once ‘unlocked’, the object or mechanism is propelled out by the natural action of the spring.

The spring-loaded action was most commonly utilised in box making for the opening of drawers and secret compartments, the releasing of mirror panels, hinged mechanisms (like Betjemann’s Patent mechanisms) and locking mechanisms.

Asprey Antique Jewellery Box in Coromandel with Betjemann Patent Mechanism.
Asprey Antique Jewellery Box in Coromandel with Betjemann Patent Mechanism. VIEW THIS BOX →
Spring-loaded hinge mechanism from an Asprey antique jewellery box in coromandel with Betjemann Patent mechanism.
This spring-loaded hinge mechanism propels open the secondary tier. The mechanism is deployed by pushing down on a sliding button at the base of the box.
Antique Jewellery Box in Coromandel with Betjemann Patent Mechanism, by Jenner & Knewstub.
Antique Jewellery Box in Coromandel with Betjemann Patent Mechanism, by Jenner & Knewstub. VIEW THIS BOX →
Spring-loaded cantilever release mechanism from an antique jewellery box in coromandel with Betjemann Patent mechanism, by Jenner & Knewstub.
This spring-loaded rod propels open the secondary tier. The mechanism is deployed by pushing down on a sliding button at the base of the box.
Antique Jewellery Box in Coromandel with Betjemann Patent Mechanism, by Howell, James & Co.
Antique Jewellery Box in Coromandel with Betjemann Patent Mechanism, by Howell, James & Co. VIEW THIS BOX →
Spring-loaded lower drawer from an antique jewellery box in coromandel with Betjemann Patent mechanism, by Howell, James & Co.
This spring-loaded push-button to the rear of the secondary compartment deploys the concealed, spring-loaded lower drawer.
A Royal Commission by Queen Victoria; Antique Prototype Mechanical Jewellery Box in Rosewood.
A Royal Commission by Queen Victoria; Antique Prototype Mechanical Jewellery Box in Rosewood. VIEW THIS BOX →
A Royal Commission by Queen Victoria; Antique Prototype Mechanical Jewellery Box in Rosewood.
The left push button (top centre) on the rear rim of the box releases two side trays that are propelled outwards on independent spring-loaded rack and pinion mechanisms. Both trays are fitted with their own spring-loaded secret drawers that are deployed by pressing a concealed trigger in the floor above. The right push button (top centre) on the rear rim of the box raises the central brass platform using four pairs of leaf springs. VIEW THIS BOX →
View of the rack and pinion mechanism, and a pair of leaf springs.
Foreground: View of the rack (steel linear toothed gear) and pinion (brass circular toothed gear) mechanism. The pinion is internally spring-loaded using a spiral torsion spring. Background: View of a pair of steel leaf springs.
Antique Jewellery Box in Coromandel with Extending Side Trays and Spring-Loaded Rising Central Tray
A push button to the rear rim of the box enables the spring-loaded central tray to rise automatically until it rests level with the neighbouring trays. VIEW THIS BOX →
Antique Jewellery Box in Coromandel with Extending Side Trays and Spring-Loaded Rising Central Tray
A closer view of the spring-loaded central tray in its raised position. VIEW THIS BOX →
Antique Jewellery Box in Calamander, Attributed to Edwards.
Antique Jewellery Box in Calamander, Attributed to Edwards. VIEW THIS BOX →
Spring-loaded rod mechanism from an antique jewellery box attributed to Edwards.
This spring-loaded rod mechanism is used to pop up the lid and the middle section (both by about 5mm) upon the opening of the twin self-locking Bramah lock.
Miniature Antique Jewellery Box in Coromandel, by Betjemann & Sons.
Miniature Antique Jewellery Box in Coromandel, by Betjemann & Sons. VIEW THIS BOX →
Spring-loaded drawer release mechanism from a miniature antique jewellery box in coromandel by Betjemann & Sons.
A concealed brass spring-loaded rod runs down the back of the box and connects with the sprung catch in the floor (middle of photo). When the rod finial is pushed from the main compartment, the action releases the spring-loaded lower drawer.

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