H: 7 in / 17 cm | W: 13. 5 in / 34 cm | D: 10.5 in / 26 cm
Description
A Fine Onyx Toilet Box
By George Betjemann & Sons
The case constructed in a fine solid onyx having a continuous grain on all its facets, of rectangular form raised on a stepped base. The brass guard strapping, filigree corner brackets and side handles finely engraved and chased with floral motifs and bearing 36 luxurious 'Tiger's Eye' agates. The lockable hinged lid bearing the cipher 'JAS, V' superimposed with the baronial coronet of European origin, the lock itself stamped 'G. Betjemann & Sons, Makers London,' and opening to reveal an interior lined and ruched with velvet and leather of Tyrian purple, which allows it to hold a variety of bottles. The ruched velvet panel in the lid can be removed to reveal a mirror fitted to the underside.
Circa 1880
George Betjemann & Sons, Pentonville Road London
George Betjemann (1798-1886), the great grandfather of Sir John Betjemann, the Poet Laureate and broadcaster, was apprenticed to Gilbert Slater, a dressing case maker in 1810, and established himself as a dressing case manufacturer, initially in Clerkenwell, and later in 1859, in the Pentonville Road, where his substantial business employed 119 people. He had expanded into making and selling writing case, tantalus sets and tobacco cabinets, inter alia.
