Coromandel Games Compendium for King Edward VII by Betjemann
Coromandel games compendium, or games box, made for King Edward VII by George Betjemann & Sons and retailed by Drew & Sons, Piccadilly, dating to circa 1905 during the Edwardian period. The exterior is veneered in coromandel with reinforced rounded... Read More
Coromandel games compendium by Betjemann for King Edward VII, retailed by Drew & Sons, with full fitted interior and original contents.
| Dimensions | 41 × 32 × 29 cm |
|---|---|
| Country | |
| Literature | |
| Medium | |
| Period | |
| Year | |
| CITES | 27MM48HD |
| SKU | 501714 |
Description
Description
Coromandel games compendium, or games box, made for King Edward VII by George Betjemann & Sons and retailed by Drew & Sons, Piccadilly, dating to circa 1905 during the Edwardian period.
The exterior is veneered in coromandel with reinforced rounded corners, nickel strapping across the body and flush mounted twin handles. The lid bears the royal cypher of King Edward VII, with the front fitted with a Bramah lock.
The interior is fully fitted and complete, lined in satinwood. The front section drops down to reveal twin cribbage boards with matching finger scorers. The main body is arranged with pivoting tiers housing a full set of red stained and white chess pieces, a matching draughts set, dice and cribbage counters.
Additional compartments within the lower tiers contain further games including playing cards, bezique counters, gaming counters, dominoes, dice shakers, steeplechase horses and an original roulette wheel. The inside of the lid is fitted with a games board veneered in coromandel, ivory and tulipwood for chess, draughts and backgammon, with a leather steeplechase board to the reverse.
The interior is signed by Drew & Sons, Piccadilly, and stamped for George Betjemann & Sons.
View the full Games Box collection.
PRICE ON APPLICATION
Measurements
29cm High x 41cm Wide x 32cm Deep (11.4 x 16.14 x 12.6 Inches)
Literature
We are delighted to offer this games compendium as part of our Exceptional Collection catalogue featured on page 12-13.
Who was King Edward VII (1841-1910)?
King Edward VII was the son of Queen Victoria and Prince Albert, reigning from 1901 until 1910. His period on the throne marked a shift in both taste and social life, with a greater emphasis on leisure, hospitality and display.
Before becoming king, he spent many years as Prince of Wales, during which time he travelled widely and became closely associated with European society. His preferences in dress, entertaining and domestic objects had a noticeable influence on what was considered fashionable at the time.
The Edwardian period is often linked with well-made objects intended for both use and presentation, particularly in the context of travel and private entertaining. This Coromandel games compendium reflects that environment, where quality of material, completeness and practicality were expected in objects of this type.
Who were George Betjemann & Sons?
George Betjemann started as an apprentice cabinet maker from a young age working for his Father in Law. In 1848, his two sons George William Betjemann and John Betjemann joined him under apprenticeships until 1846 when George William Betjemann started his own business with his two sons. In 1859 George moved to a new premises on Pentonville road, London. This was when the business became known as ‘Betjemann & Sons’. John Betjemann was grandfather of the later famous poet laureate Sir John Betjemann.
For further information see our Makers and Retailers page on George Betjemann & Sons.
Who were Drew & Sons?
Drew and Sons began trading in 1844, as proudly noted on their letterhead. Like many firms of the nineteenth century who catered to the needs of the travelling gentleman, they started out supplying luggage and travel requisites before expanding into portable furniture as demand grew.
They became especially well known for their fine quality leather goods and luxurious picnic sets, but their range extended far beyond that. The entire second floor of their Piccadilly Circus showroom was dedicated to military furniture and campaign equipment, and they made a point of stating on their documents that everything they sold was made in house and to the highest standard. The pieces we have seen over the years certainly live up to that claim. Drew and Sons enjoyed the patronage of Queen Victoria and the Royal Family, as well as many of the royal courts across Europe.
Their main address was 33 to 37 Piccadilly Circus, though they also had premises at 155 Leadenhall Street in London and 42 Kings Road in Brighton. Their workshops were based in Burlington Buildings on Heddon Street and in Hatton Garden.
For further information see our Makers and Retailers page on Drew & Sons.
Who are Bramah?
Bramah is London’s oldest security company. Established at 124 Piccadilly, London in 1784, and today based in Fitzrovia, London and Romford, Essex. Bramah manufactures Bramah and Rola locks for domestic and commercial applications in the U.K. and overseas. We are Marylebone and Fitzrovia’s foremost Locksmith and Burglar Alarm installer.
For further information see our Makers and Retailers profile on Bramah.
Coromandel
Coromandel is a valuable wood found in India, Sri Lanka and South East Asia. It has a contrasting hazel-brown colour with black grain. It is a dense, heavy wood that is so popular it has been logged to extinction over the last few hundred years. This makes Calamander pieces even more special.
For further information see our Woods Encyclopaedia on Coromandel.
Satinwood
Satinwood is found in India and Sri Lanka. It has a rich golden colour and an almost reflective sheen. Satinwood is traditionally used for high quality furniture.
For further information see our Woods Encyclopaedia on Satinwood.
Why Buy from Mark Goodger Antiques?
With over thirty five years of specialist experience, Mark Goodger Antiques is recognised internationally as a leading authority in antique boxes and related works of art. Every item offered has been personally selected by Mark, whose knowledge and judgement are trusted by collectors, institutions, museums, interior designers, and fellow dealers worldwide.
Every purchase is supplied with a full supporting package for clarity and reassurance. This includes a Certificate of Authenticity, a detailed condition and care guide specific to your item, our most recent catalogue, and a separate invoice suitable for insurance and valuation purposes. Each piece is carefully examined prior to sale to ensure accuracy of description and quality.
Your purchase is fully insured during transit and protected by our straightforward money back guarantee, allowing you to buy with complete confidence. We pride ourselves on transparency, expertise, and long term relationships with our clients, many of whom return to us repeatedly over decades.
When you buy from Mark Goodger Antiques, you are purchasing from a specialist family business built on knowledge, trust, and an unrivalled focus on antique boxes.
Additional information
Additional information
| Dimensions | 41 × 32 × 29 cm |
|---|---|
| Country | |
| Literature | |
| Medium | |
| Period | |
| Year | |
| CITES | 27MM48HD |
| SKU | 501714 |
