Old Cherry-stained Maple Wood Hat Shaped Desktop Inkwell Hinged Lid Glass Insert
Description: A late 19th or early 20th century cherry-stained maple wood inkwell with a hinged top which reveals a glass insert. The hat has a carved feather carved to side of the top. The inkwell hat has a wide rim with raised rim. The hinged lid reveals a glass insert when opened. It is not certain that the glass insert is original to the piece but fits well, and comes out easily from the inkwell's opening. The bottom of the piece is marked in pencil with the numbers 1.20 P. A great and very unusual piece, which is probably European possibly Swiss or Austrian, that is in very good condition after being around for over 100 years. An interesting piece to add to your collection. Please carefully review the photos as they are part and parcel of our description.
Date: Unknown but most likely late 1800s (late 19th century) to early 1900s (early 20th century).
Origin: Purchased at an estate sale in Southeastern Pennsylvania. The piece was most likely made in Switzerland or Austria. Size: Base measures ~4 3/8" by ~3 7/8" and is ~1 7/8" high to the top of the hat with the lid closed. The piece weighs about 3 ounces.
Maker: Unknown.
Marks: Unmarked as to the maker. Has the following marking in pencil "1.20 P".
Distinguishing Characteristics - Most Interesting About The Piece: A nice and very unusual antique inkwell to add to your collection.
Condition: The inkwell is in good condition. The wooden portion of the piece is intact with no breaks, hairlines, chips, or repairs. It does have some scratches, minor dings throughout, and minor losses to the finish. The piece is clean and we feel that it did not see much se as an inkwell. The hinge is intact but is a bit loose making the lid rest a bit off the edge of the inkwell and makes the lid a bit wobbly. The glass insert, which we believe is a more recent replacement, has a minor crack near the top. Be that as it may, this is a very nice and unusual piece to add to your collection and would display very nicely. Please see photos for additional condition information.
