| Here is a lovely pair of English Victorian sterling silver and crystal inkwells beautifully mounted on an exquisitely-decorated matching sterling silver pen tray.
This perfect example of Victorian ingenuity at its very best neatly and compactly combines all the essential components required by a 19th century writer into one distinctive and elegant package which would add a touch of sophistication to a desk setting in any era.
The 2 crystal inkwells are each cut on the base and each has a sterling silver screw-off lid prettily decorated all around the rims with beautifully-detailed miniature flowers.
Each lid has a different number of holes punched into the top, one for dipping a pen into the ink and the other for dipping the pen into sand to dry the nib.
Between them is a hollow urn-shaped container which was probably originally used as a repository for pen rubs or sealing wax but which would be useful today for storing paper clips, postage stamps or rubber bands.
All these pieces sit neatly on a lovely tray with gracefully curving scroll work all around the sides.
In each of the 4 corners above the slightly raised curving feet, an exquisitely-made flower is nestled amidst masterfully crafted foliage.
Another beautifully-detailed flower graces the center of both the front and the back, providing the ideal finishing touch to a superbly-designed item which is both beautiful and practical.
All the pieces are in perfect condition; the crystal is clean and clear and the silver has a pleasingly soft patina.
Each piece has been clearly stamped with a full set of English hallmarks which show that the set was made in London in 1838 by the silversmiths Edward Barnard Jr., John Barnard and William Barnard.
This lovely set measures 11 1/2" X 8 1/2" X approx. 4 3/4" tall. Price: $4,500.00 Stock #AX803 |