A Victorian coromandel Partners’ Ink Stand by Betjemann & Sons, retailed by Hardy Brothers, Sydney

A Victorian coromandel Partners’ Ink Stand by Betjemann & Sons, retailed by Hardy Brothers, Sydney, of rectangular form with a central brass handle flanked by two patented double hinged cut glass inkwells, the curved pen trays at the sides, with two rectangular covers which open to reveal a leather inset writing slide which can be drawn to either side to reveal a compartment for paper, with a plaque reading ‘Hardy Brothers, Hunter St. Sydney’ and stamped ‘G.B. & Sons No. 438’ and the patent diamond mark for 3 November 1882 Parcel No. 13.

George Betjemann & Sons were a firm of London based cabinet and dressing case makers.  Founded by George Betjemann in 1851 the company expanded with the arrival of his sons, George William and John, in 1858 and traded from 36, 38 & 40 Pentonville Road, London.  They patented numerous mechanisms, the most innovative being one which automatically spread out the two side ‘trays’ and opened the front panel of a dressing case as the lid was raised. opened.  They displayed their work at the International Exhibition of 1862 and also at the Paris International Exposition in 1867.