Antique Metal Desktop Inkwell Buffalo/Bison Standing Hinged Top w/ Glass Insert
Description: A very unusual desktop metal inkwell. This inkwell is in the shape of a Buffalo or Bison standing on all four. The buffalo is standing with its head down and looking partially sideways. The piece is colored in brownish-black with the bison’s eyes being brown with a black center. The horns as well as the legs are colored in brownish-yellow with the hoofs being black. The buffalo's hump is hinged and opens to reveal a glass insert where the ink would reside. We believe the glass insert is most likely a replacement. The inkwell is made of metal that does not stick to a magnet. It is well cast and shows details of the fur, the horns, the eyes, the mouth and facial particulars. The piece which is blackish-brown has what looks like gray highlights which is indication of lost paint around the belly, the rump, and the head. Other than that, the piece is in very good condition, with no breaks, losses, or repairs. A very unusual and beautiful figural inkwell in very good condition 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 1800's (late 19th century) to early 1900s (early 20th century), could be later.
Origin: Purchased at an estate sale in Southeastern Pennsylvania.
Size: The piece measures ~8" long, by ~5 1/4" at its highest (at the hump) and it is ~2 1/2' at its widest. The glass insert is ~1" diameter at the bottom, ~1 7/16" in diameter at the top and is ~1 1/4" high. The piece weighs slightly over 2 pounds and 5 ounces.
Maker: Unknown.
Marks: Unmarked as to the maker.
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 piece is intact with no breaks, losses, or repairs. The hinge for the cover is intact and works as it should. The piece has a glass insert, which we believe is a replacement and not original to the piece but fits very well. The bison is blackish-brown in color with gray highlights which are indication of paint losses throughout the piece including around the belly, the rump, the horns, the hoofs, and the head. Finally, the back right leg of the buffalo has a glossy finish which is not the case for the rest of the piece. This suggests that the surface of the leg was refinished. It may be an indication of a repair, but we are unable to view signs of a repair (see the last two photos). Because of these issues, we are selling the piece AS IS at a fraction of its true value. Please see photos for additional condition information.
