Antique Continental Pewter Inkwell Round Base and Hinged Lid W/ Porcelain Insert
Description: Antique pewter inkwell from Europe, possibly England. The inkwell round flat base with inwards inclined straight sides having incised lines near the base and a central band. The inkwell has a flared top and a hinged lid surrounded by 4 small holes where quills would fit. The lid opens to reveal a round opening in the center which houses a porcelain insert where the ink would be. The top is also decorated with two incised lines all around the well and the lid also has two incised lines close to its edge. The insert, which has lost some of its edge, shows what we believe is ink remainder inside it. The piece was obviously cleaned to bring it to its original beauty. We believe it is from the late 18th century or early 19th century and was made in Europe. Please carefully review the photos as they are part and parcel of our description.
Date: Uncertain but most likely sometime in the late 1700s or early 1800s.
Origin: Purchased at an estate sale in southeastern Pennsylvania.
Size: Measures ~2 7/8" in diameter at the base and is ~1 7/8" high. The piece weighs almost 10 ounces.
Maker: Unknown.
Marks: Unmarked.
Condition: The inkwell is in good condition given its age and utilitarian function. It has been cleaned to bring it to his original beauty but still has some residue of cleaning agent in some spots. It is in good general condition and all intact except for the porcelain insert which has large chips to the edge but would still be usable. It is all original and looks great. It has scratches and minor dings throughout. The hinge is intact and works the way it should. A great old piece worthy of a spot in your collection. Please see photos for additional condition information.
Date: Uncertain but most likely sometime in the late 1700s or early 1800s.
Origin: Purchased at an estate sale in southeastern Pennsylvania.
Size: Measures ~2 7/8" in diameter at the base and is ~1 7/8" high. The piece weighs almost 10 ounces.
Maker: Unknown.
Marks: Unmarked.
Condition: The inkwell is in good condition given its age and utilitarian function. It has been cleaned to bring it to his original beauty but still has some residue of cleaning agent in some spots. It is in good general condition and all intact except for the porcelain insert which has large chips to the edge but would still be usable. It is all original and looks great. It has scratches and minor dings throughout. The hinge is intact and works the way it should. A great old piece worthy of a spot in your collection. Please see photos for additional condition information.
