Antique English Pewter Inkwell Round Base and Porcelain Insert Thomas Alderson London
Description: Antique pewter inkwell made by Thomas Alderson Active in London England in the period 1790-1825. The inkwell round with an extended flat base with inwards inclined straight sides having raised central band with lines on top and bottom. The inkwell has a flared top with a central hole fitted with a porcelain insert surrounded by 5 small holes where quills would fit. The central round opening houses what we believe is a porcelain insert where the ink would be. The insert does not appear to be protected with a lid, which maybe an indication that it is not the original insert but this the way it was found. The insert is intact and is soiled inside and out. The pewter portion shows deformed edges and casting marks. The piece has the mark of Thomas Alderson (No. 40 in Christopher Peal's book "British Pewter & Britannia metal for Pleasure and Investment", John Gifford London 1971). Please carefully review the photos as they are part and parcel of our description.
Date: Uncertain but most likely sometime in the late 1700s to early 1800s.
Origin: Purchased at an estate sale in southeastern Pennsylvania. The piece was made in London England.
Size: Measures ~4 3/4" in diameter at the base, ~3 3/4" in diameter at the top, and is ~2 3/8" high. The piece weighs slightly over 14 ounces.
Maker: Thomas Alderson.
Marks: Marked with the Thomas Alderson mark consisting of an oval with the name THOMAS on top and ALDERSON on the bottom, there is a crown above the word Alderson with what should be a lion rising out of the crown (not visible) and a star to the right of the lion's head and a circle to the left of the lion's head (both star and circle are visible). See photos for details.
Condition: The antique inkwell is in good condition given its age and utilitarian function. The piece has deformed along the edges which can be seen in the photos. It also shows casting defects and some pitting on the base both on the back and on the extension. The piece has some scratches and minor dings throughout. We believe the porcelain insert is most likely not original to the piece but rather a recent replacement. Other than that, the piece is all original with no breaks or repairs. The pewter portion as well as the insert are soiled inside and out. A great old piece worthy of a spot in your collection. Please see photos for additional condition information.
