A stunning Victorian Betjemann's Patent cut gilt brass, coromandel and porcelain book slide, c.1860.
The hinged ends are each inset with three Svres-style porcelain plaques, each depicting a different scene; the book slide depicts six separate scenes in total. All six porcelain plaques remain in an excellent condition. The slide has a gilt brass plaque to each end, one reading 'Betjemann's Patent 5481', the other 'Self-Closing Book Slide 5481'. The base is lined with a green baize.
The book slide has some wear to the base extremities consistent with age, with one corner showing more wear than the others (please see photographs). The slides still open and close with ease and the arched hinges fold down up and down as they should. The cut gilt brass remains in an excellent condition throughout, as does the inset mother of pearl to the centre base and all six porcelain plaques.
An exceptional and striking piece by renowned London maker, George Betjemann.
Dimensions
Length: 16 inches
Width: 7 inches
Height: 8 inches
Weight: 1.9kg