Description

Manufactured by George Betjemann & Sons

From our Games Box collection, we are pleased to offer this Burr Walnut Games Compendium by George Betjemann & Sons. The Games Compendium of rectangular shape finished with a domed top, veneered in feathered Burr Walnut and mounted with brass banding with agate spheres. The top of the box features an eight agate cabochons surrounding around shaped foliage centre. The exterior is finished with substantial brass handles and a matching central brass escutcheon. When opened, the interior reveals a complete gaming compendium with a removable chess/backgammon board in the lid, veneered in Satinwood, Corormandel and Tulipwood, 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, De Larue & Co. vintage cards, dice shakers, Whist marker by Goodall London and a plethora of coloured counters. The Games Compendium is undoubtedly manufactured by famous London box makers George Betjemann & Sons of London and dates to the late 19th century Victorian period circa 1875.

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.

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.

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.

Tulipwood is also known as Brazilian Tulipwood, Brazilian Pinkwood and Bahia Rosewood. It is found in South America, mainly Brazil. The colour is a warm yellow with streaks or brown-red grain.

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.

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