Antique Victorian Coromandel Brass Wooden Letters Stationery Casket Box Betjemann

Description

Absolutely stunning early Victorian well figured Coromandel Stationery Casket of museum quality and in outstanding condition. Mid Nineteenth Century. Made … more Absolutely stunning early Victorian well figured Coromandel Stationery Casket of museum quality and in outstanding condition. Mid Nineteenth Century. Made in England by G. Betjemann.

The main outer carcass with lavish polished brass decoration. The dome shaped hinged cover opening to reveal an original fitted interior with no losses.

Width: (at base) 8.75” (22.25cm). Depth: (at base) 4.5” (11.5cm). Height: 6.5” (16.5cm).

Condition: Superb untouched condition with nice patination, no losses to brass decoration, all original tacks are present. Tasseled lock and key work perfectly

Location: Dublin City, Ireland.
Worldwide Store to door shipping offered by Seller.

In 1812 and at the age of 14, George Betjemann started apprenticing as a cabinet maker with his uncle, Gilbert Slater at his premises on Carthusian Street, London. In 1834, George then joined his father-in-law, William Merrick’s cabinet making business on Red Lion Street, Clerkenwell, London. George brought his sons, George William Betjemann (his eldest) and John Betjemann (grandfather of poet, Sir John Betjeman), to apprentice with him from 1848. He began his own business at 6 Upper Ashby Street, Clerkenwell, London, and with his two sons having completed their apprenticeships in 1855, expanded to 7 Upper Ashby Street shortly after.

In 1859, George moved into 36 Pentonville Road, London (their new family home and business residence) where he continued his business, now called George Betjemann & Sons, alongside his two sons. George William never married but instead was ‘married’ to his work, being a true artist and perfectionist. Their work was on display at the International Exhibition of 1862, and the International Exposition of 1867 in Paris.

George died in 1886 at the age of 88 and George William and John ran George Betjemann & Sons in partnership until John’s death in 1893. George William then established a business partnership with John’s sons, John George Betjemann and Ernest Edward Betjemann. Around 1896, John George and Ernest Edward established an offshoot company called Betjemann Brothers, based at 2 Newcastle Place, Clerkenwell, London. This company ran alongside George Betjemann & Sons until they were merged in 1903, following the death of George William. In 1909, they became a limited company, known as George Betjemann & Sons Ltd. With Ernest’s son John (the future poet Sir John Betjeman) having no interest in carrying on the family business, George Betjemann & Sons Ltd finally wound up in 1939. less