Victorian Olivewood Stationery Cabinet by Betjemann and Leuchars

Description

This Victorian olivewood stationery cabinet by George Betjemann and Leuchars, dating to circa 1880, is of impressive size and veneered in feathered olivewood with brass mounted corners. The twin doors are centred by a brass mounted ducal coronet with a pair of wings above the monogram ‘O/A’, while substantial brass loop carrying handles are fitted to each side for transporting the cabinet.

Opening the twin doors reveals an extensively partitioned interior faced in coromandel with satinwood lining. The cabinet incorporates a removable day and date calendar concealed beneath a roll top compartment, a removable writing pad to the right hand door, a writing implement holder to the left hand door and a pull out drawer to the front. The stationery cabinet retains its working lock and key.

The cabinet is signed by Leuchars of London and the cabinet making is confidently attributed to George Betjemann & Sons, displaying the distinctive quality, construction and design found on other documented examples handled by the firm.

View the full Writing Box collection.

Measurements

44.5cm High x 44cm Wide x 32cm Deep (17.5 High x 17.3 Wide x 12.6 Deep inches)

---

Literature

Mark Goodger 25th Anniversary Catalogue p.42

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 Leuchars & Sons?

Leuchars of 47 Piccadilly, London was established in 1794 by James Leuchars. In 1837 the firm received a royal warrant for the supply of dressing cases to the royal family. Leuchars were also regular suppliers to the highly regarded Asprey of London. They were prominent cabinet makers throughout the 18th and 19th centuries creating some of the finest pieces of furniture and decorative objects of the time.

For further information see our Makers and Retailers article on Leuchars.

What is Olivewood?

A Victorian olivewood stationery cabinet by Betjemann & Sons and retailed by Leuchars of London, dating to circa 1880. With a fitted coromandel interior, day and date calendar, writing appointments, pull out drawer and working lock with key.

For further information see our Woods Encyclopaedia on Olivewood.

What is 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.

What is 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.

What is the Victorian Period? 

The Victorian period is 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.

Who are the Johnson Family?

The Johnson family bear the identical coronet that originated with Maurice Johnson (1688-1755), Maurice Johnson was an antiquarian and the founder of ‘The Gentlemen’s Society’ (Spalding Gentlemen’s Society) in the 18th century and was responsible for the revival of the Society of Antiquaries of London in 1717. This Stationary Cabinet bearing the same coronet is likely to have been owned by a descendent of the family almost 150 years after the death of Maurice Johnson.

---

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

Weight	8 kg
Country	England, United Kingdom
Medium	Brass, Coromandel, Olivewood, Satinwood
Year	Circa 1880
Period	19th Century, Late 19th Century, Victorian
Literature	Mark Goodger 25th Anniversary Catalogue
SKU	500958-MPCEX