Antique Betjemann’s Coromandel 3 Crystal Decanter Tantalus Silver Hallmarks 1907

This is a superb antique Edwardian coromandel cased three decanter George Betjemann’s & Sons patent tantalus, with sterling silver mounts, with hallmarks for the  maker George Betjemann's & Sons, london, dated 1907.

Skillfully crafted in coromandel with a stylish locking bar, stamped ‘Betjemann's Patent, 54461, London.

It is fitted with three star cut crystal cuboid spirit decanters with matching  bulbous stoppers each with a sterling silver label, engraved GIN WHISKY and BRANDY. The base is fitted with pierced sterling silver mounted corners, hallmarked London 1907, and fitted with a Betjemann’s Bramah locking system, complete with the original key.

It is a very decorative high quality piece which is very practical and would  make a delightful gift.

Condition:

In excellent condition having been beautifully cleaned and wax polished in our workshops.

Dimensions in cm:

Height 32 cm x Width 39 cm x Depth 15 cm

Dimensions in inches:

Height 1 foot, 1 inch x Width 1 foot, 3 inches x Depth 6 inches

Betjemann & Sons

In 1812 George Betjemann started apprenticing as a cabinet maker with his uncle, Gilbert Slater at his premises on Carthusian Street, London. In 1834, George then joined his father-in-law, William Merrick’s cabinet making business on Red Lion Street, Clerkenwell, London. George brought his sons, George William Betjemann and John Betjemann to apprentice with him from 1848. He began his own business at 6 Upper Ashby Street, Clerkenwell, London, and with his two sons having completed their apprenticeships in 1855, expanded to 7 Upper Ashby Street shortly after.

In 1859, George moved into 36 Pentonville Road, London where he continued his business, now called George Betjemann & Sons, alongside his two sons. George William never married but instead was ‘married’ to his work, being a true artist and perfectionist. Their work was on display at the International Exhibition of 1862, and the International Exposition of 1867 in Paris. They took the art of cabinet, box and book slide making to new heights. They specialised in designs for operating the way that different compartments in vanity boxes opened and also the sprung system for book slides.

By 1871, they had expanded their residence to incorporate 38 Pentonville Road and were employing 119 people. Records show that by 1875 a further incorporation of 40 Pentonville Road was undertaken. George died in 1886 at the age of 88 and George William and John ran George Betjemann & Sons in partnership until John’s death in 1893. George William then established a business partnership with John’s sons, John George Betjemann and Ernest Edward Betjemann. Around 1896, John George and Ernest Edward established an offshoot company called Betjemann Brothers, based at 2 Newcastle Place, Clerkenwell, London. This company ran alongside George Betjemann & Sons until they were merged in 1903, following the death of George William. In 1909, they became a limited company, known as George Betjemann & Sons Ltd.

With Ernest’s son John (the future poet Sir John Betjeman) having no interest in carrying on the family business, George Betjemann & Sons Ltd finally wound up in 1939.

Bramah

is London's oldest security company. Established at 124 Piccadilly, London in 1784, and today based in Marylebone, London and Romford, Essex.

Bramah made their first lock in 1784 and the patent was awarded in 1787. The designer was Joseph Bramah. Joseph Bramah was a leading inventor of the industrial revolution, patenting over 18 new ideas, including a new valve for the water closet (toilet), the hydraulic pump, a fountain pen, and a fire engine.

Bramah also introduced a beer hand pump for use at the bar, to prevent fluid loss when barmen went downstairs to pour a new jug! Due to the quality of his manufacturing, his name became a by-word amongst British Engineers for e