Description

Manufactured by George Betjemann & Sons

From our Games Box collection, we are pleased to offer this Victorian Walnut Games Compendium Retailed by Parkins & Gotto, Manufactured by George Betjemann & Sons. The Games Compendium of rectangular shape finished with a domed top veneered in feathered Walnut and agate mounted brass banding. The top of the box with four agate cabochons surrounding a monogram with the letters MW above a plaque dating the box to January 27th 1875. When opened, the interior reveals the extensively packed box a chess/backgammon board in the lid, a full chess set with red stained and bone pieces, a matching draughts set, Cribbage/Bezique counters and multiple dice. The lower drawer opens by pushing a small brass tab located at the rear centre of the box. Once depressed it is spring loaded and reveals further game sets including Bezique registers by Goodall London, Woolley & Co vintage cards, dice shakers, Whist instructions by Goodall London, Warnes Besique Bijou Books instructions and a plethora of coloured counters. The Games Compendium is stamped to the front of the drawer with the retailer’s mark Parkins & Gotto, Oxford St and was manufactured undoubtedly by George Betjemann & Sons of London.

The Games Compendium comes complete with working lock and tasselled key.

Walnut comes in many varieties from America to Europe. American Walnut is often a warm yellow-brown to purple-brown colour with a straight grain. European Walnut tends to vary greatly from tree to tree in terms of colour and pattern. From light grey-brown to dark brown with dark grain and irregular markings. Walnut trees often develop large burr growths which when veneered show beautiful rich coloured swirls.

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.

Parkins & Gotto William Parkins and Henry Jenkin Gotto established Parkins & Gotto in London circa 1845 and were originally stationers supplying paper and printing services. As the company grew it expanded into neighbouring premises on Oxford Street and started supplying various items including boxes ranging from tea caddies to writing cases. They experienced success by offering a wide range of objects and prices meaning there was something to suit all budgets. The company ceased trading towards the start of the 20th century.

Victorian an era of British History corresponding approximately with the reign of Queen Victoria from the 20th of June 1837 until her death on 22 January 1901 however, there are arguments stating that the Victorian era is actually from 1820 until 1914 proceeded by Georgian era and followed by the Edwardian era.

With every purchase from Mark Goodger Antiques, you will receive our latest catalogue, a Certificate of Authenticity, detailed care instructions for your chosen piece and an independent invoice (for insurance purposes) will be enclosed. As well as being protected by a no-hassle, money-back policy, your piece will be entirely insured during the shipping process to ensure the safety of your item.

Additional information