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Desk Accessories: Inkwells

Antique Inkwells for Sale

The earliest form of antique inkwells dates back to Ancient Egypt. Wealthy families would hire scribes to write their missives for them. These early inkwells were stones with round holes where the ink sat. In 16th century Europe, the elaborate antique silver inkstands and inkwells grew in popularity. They became a status symbol—the fancier the inkwell, the wealthier the family. Nelson & Nelson has handpicked the collection of antique inkwells and antique inkwell sets for sale at our store in New York City. You can also take a look around our website for an antique inkwell set that tickles your fancy or any other antique items you may enjoy.

Desk Accessories: Inkwells (8)


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Antique American Modern Sterling Silver and Glass Inkwell on Stand
BY033

American Modern sterling silver and glass inkwell on stand, ca 1920. Lobed melon-form glass bowl; sterling silver cover domed with overlapping ovoid ring finial. Stand has well and large lobing. Cover interior numbered 38. Stand and cover marked “Sterling”. Very good condition.

Overall dimensions: H 3 3/4 x D 4 3/4 in. Total weight (silver only): 2.3 troy ounces. #BY033

Sale Price: $276.50
Listed Price $395.00
Antique French Art Nouveau Silver & Enamel Inkwell
T714

Art Nouveau inkwell. Made by Emile Langlois in Paris, ca 1920. Hemispheric clear glass bowl with garland acid-etched to sides and diaper cut to underside. Neck collar 950 silver as is hinged domed cover, which has guilloche enamel concentric rings in nuanced green-brown. Detachable clear glass liner. Maker’s stamp. Excellent condition.

Dimensions: H 3 x D 2 3/4 in. #T714

Sale Price: $556.50
Listed Price $795.00
Antique French Belle Epoque Classical Silver Inkwell on Stand
BT381

French 950 silver inkwell on stand, ca 1910. Straight sides with vertically applied strapwork bands; curved bottom and raised foot. Cover hinged and domed with flower-head finial. Gadrooned rims. Interior has engraved curvilinear border and clear-glass liner. Mounted to oval curvilinear stand with ornamental border. Fully marked including maker’s stamp CG. Very good condition.

Overall dimensions: H 5 x W 9 3/8 x D 5 7/8 in. Weight (without glass): 15.5 troy ounces. #BT381

Sale Price: $1,015.00
Listed Price $1,450.00
Antique American Art Nouveau Silver Overlay Inkwell
BT470

American Art Nouveau inkwell with engraved silver overlay, ca 1886. Bellied and faceted; short neck in silver collar and hinged and faceted silver cover. Overlay in form of dense and connected leafing and flowering branches. Glass is clear. Marked “Sterling Silver” and patent date “Jan. 5 86”. Very good condition.

Dimensions: H 3 3/8 x D 3 1/4 in. #BT470

Sale Price: $486.50
Listed Price $695.00
Antique American Sterling Silver Inkwell by Shreve, Crump & Low
BS209

American sterling silver inkwell, ca 1880. Four gently curved sides on corner block supports. Cut ornament including scrolls, flowers, and chevrons. Sterling silver neck collar with imbricated leaf borders. Hinged bun cover same; top has chased garland, ribbon, crisscrossing horns of plenty, and laurel wreath surmounted by crown engraved with interlaced script monogram. Marked “Sterling” and Shreve, Crump & Low stamp. Very good condition.

Dimensions: H 5 x W 2 1/2 x D 2 1/2 in. #BS209 ... Click for details

Sale Price: $1,015.00
Listed Price $1,450.00
Tiffany Art Nouveau Sterling Silver and Engraved Glass Inkwell
BT145

Art Nouveau sterling silver and clear glass inkwell. Made by Tiffany & Co. in New York. Bellied and lobed clear glass base with short inset foot and carved and engraved stylized flowers. Short neck with sterling silver collar and hinged ball cover with stylized flowers and scrolls in ogee frame, and bead-and-reel rim. Collar and cover interior gild washed. Fully marked 14515 (first produced in 1900) and director’s letter T (1892-1902). Very good condition.

Dimensions: H 4 3/4 x D 6 in.... Click for details

Sale Price: $2,100.00
Listed Price $3,000.00
Antique Edwardian Sterling Silver & Enamel Inkwell by Foster & Bailey
BS636

Pretty Edwardian inkwell. Made by Foster & Bailey in Providence, ca 1910. Rectangular clear glass base with chamfered corners, wraparound acid-etched garland, and star cut to underside. Ovalish well with short neck in sterling silver collar with hinged and domed cover. Cover top has enameled flower basket and garland on white wavy and chevron ground with ornamental blue lunettes. Fully marked. Very good condition with strong color.

Dimensions: H 4 x W 3 1/8 x 3 1/8 in. #BS636

Sale Price: $875.00
Listed Price $1,250.00
American Art Nouveau Sterling Silver and Glass Inkwell by Gorham
AW242

Art Nouveau glass and sterling silver inkwell. Made by Gorham in Providence. Rectilinear clear glass block bulbous well. Sides have carved ornament: Fluid scrollwork and stylized flowers. Short neck in sterling silver collar surrounded by squarish same mount and hinged cover. Engraved interlaced script monogram and interlaced scrolls, flowers, and leaves. Hallmark includes no. D788. Very good condition.

Dimensions: H 4 1/4 x W 3 1/2 x D 3 1/2 in. #AW242

Sale Price: $770.00
Listed Price $1,100.00
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