A Victorian Mother of Pearl Inlaid and Gilt and Grisaille Decorated Papier Maché Tray by Jennens and Bettridge circa 1850

the reverse stamped with a crown over JENNENS & BETTRIDGE / MAKERS TO THE QUEEN, the modern stand painted green.

In overall very good condition with overall old craquelure to the surface. Some rubbing to the gilding overall with some very small losses to the mother of pearl inlays. The extreme outer edges with some small un-repaired chips, and other areas of infilling and repainting to the outer curved edge. Legs to modern stand a little loose and requiring re-gluing.
In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective qualified opinion.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.

Jennens and Bettridge (1816-1864) took over the original workshops of Henry Clay in Birmingham in 1816, becoming one of the largest manufacturers of ornamental papier mâché wares in England. At times their workshops employed from five to six hundred people and the firm also had showrooms in London at Halkin Street West, Belgrave Square, which opened in 1837 and, later, in New York and Paris. In 1825 they took out a patent for 'ornamenting papier-mâché with pearl shell', this technique being shown on the present tray. They were patronized by Queen Victoria and previously by George IV, William IV, for whom they claimed to be 'Japanners in Ordinary".      

 

See:

Zilla Rider Lea, The Ornamented Tray, 1971, p. 66

Geoffrey Beard and Christopher Gilbert, Dictionary of English Furniture Makers 1660-1840, Leeds, 1968, pp. 484-485