British Silver Plate Inkstand with Double Pottery Inkwells – 1883

Collectibles : Writing Instruments : Inkwells

 

This unusual and very decorative silver plate inkstand has a story – one that we have not yet been able to learn much about… yet. Engraved in the front are the words: IN MEMORIUM FEBRUARY 20TH 1883. We wonder… who died? And to whom was the inkstand given?

It is a lovely piece of silver and pottery. The stand features detailed open molded work and interesting cut work around the outside. The brick colored pottery inkwells have matching silver plated lids and they fit snugly into the holes cut into the stand.

This is a large stand at 11” by 7 1/4". The inkwells are about 3 1/2” tall to the top of the finials. Condition is very good for the age. One corner of the stand shows an old crack in the metal on the back, which appears to have been plated over on the top. In fact, the entire stand may have been re-plated at one time. The integrity of the stand is not at all compromised by this crack. Otherwise, the metal and plating are in very good condition. The inkwells are also in good condition, with no cracks or chips, but there are a number of tiny scratches in the matte glaze. There is a bit of ink staining on the bottom of the inside of each well.

This is a beautiful and very intriguing inkstand, deserving of its own special place on a desk. Think of the stories it holds – stories that you may one day discover, or just make up for fun.

This inkwell is difficult to photograph to do it justice. Please ask for more pictures. We took over 50 pictures to get the few we show here.

Item ID: 0802