A VERY FINE FULLY-FITTED WALNUT GAMES COMPENDIUM

An excellent quality late 19th century walnut GAMES COMPENDIUM by George Betjemann & Sons and retailed by Cattaneo & Co., of Leeds. The box itself is of beautifully figured burr walnut, with applied brass ornate strapwork and a central brass shield-shaped cartouche engraved with a crest featuring a lion.  Of particular note is the polished finish which is original and in perfect pristine condition.

The lid opens to reveal the original contents set within a segmented tray lined with fine red morocco leather of: full set of bone (not ivory) chessmen; full set of 30 bone draughts/backgammon pieces; gilded Cribbage board; gilded and engraved Bezique board; pair of whist scorers and full set of six original dice.

This tray lifts out to reveal and set within the compartmentalised base: 4 packs of playing cards; set of four Bezique markers; pair of turned ebony shakers; book of rules and various bone counters.  Within the lid is the original Chess; draughts and backgammon board, completely flat and in excellent condition.  Circa 1865-80.  12.5ins wide; 9.5ins deep; 6 ins high. (32 x 24 x 15cms)

* George BETJEMAN & SONS were a highly-regarded firm of boxmakers, prominent for their innovative and beautiful quality boxes and occasional small items of furniture. George Betjemann worked as an apprentice cabinet maker, and his two sons George William and John started their own business, moving to Pentonville Road in 1859. (John was Grandfather to the late Poet Laureate, Sir John Betjemann.). Some of their fine boxes  incorporated creative mechanical devices, notably Jewellery boxes with secret drawers; the locking Tantalus that prevented access to the contents of decanters and self-closing bookslides amongst others.  Their output was always of the finest quality.

*** Please note that this is not on view in the shop; for further details telephone 07860 818212 or e-mail in the normal way.