Jennens & Bettridge signature papier mâché pieces are the most treasured of them all, and this one helps show you why. Dating c.1840-50, it is an elaborately hand painted and mother of pearl inlay/underlay masterpiece, a garden scene with garden, palace and peacock. The handle features a pair of snakes amid the leaves. Elegant old thing, English Victorian, of course.
Very good to excellent for age and type. As you can see we have 2 imperfections on the outer tips of the serpentine-shaped 10" tray. I've shown front and back in detail. They are small, but your attention should be drawn to it since the overall beauty does tend to make them disappear. The handle is well-mounted and hinged, no cracks or loss there, which is quite unusual. A signature Jennens & Bettridge piece complete with the crown designating the firm as one in service "To the Queen", in this case Victoria. Tray rises only about .75" yet has a look of being deeper. A little paint loss on the peacock, and there would have been a bit more definition to the mother of pearl 'windows' of some palace to right. Otherwise, the normal light crazing and a stunning painting to be enjoyed in full.
