Unusual Antique Desktop Large & Heavy Crystal Inkwell Hinged Sterling Silver Lid
Description: A late 19th or early 20th century large and rather heavy crystal inkwell having a hinged Sterling Silver lid. The inkwell has a flat and square base with straight rising sides and canted corners. The piece has a flat top which meets the sides in a canted fashion. The top has a central hole with a glass neck covered with a sterling silver collar having a hinged flat hinged lid. The hole is equipped with a removal glass well to protect the interior of the inkwell. The collar and the lid have markings suggesting English sterling silver. The collar has the initials JG&S (or possibly B) within an elongated oval, a lion passant facing left and a year mark k both in rectangular shields. The lid itself has the marks of a lion passant facing left and a year mark k both in rectangular shields on the underside. The piece is rather large and heavy, it is ~5" by ~5" at the base, is ~3 3/4" high to the top of the closed lid and weighs over 6 pounds and 10 ounces. A great and very unusual piece 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 early 1900s (early 20th century).
Origin: Purchased at an estate sale in Southern New Jersey.
Size: Measures ~5" by ~5" at the base, is ~3 3/4" high to the top of the closed lid, and weighs over 6 pounds and 10 ounces.
Maker: Unknown. Despite the fact that the piece has markings suggesting English Sterling, we feel that the markings are missing the mark indicating where it was made (Anchor for Birmingham, Leopard's head for London, etc.)
Marks: The collar and the lid have markings suggesting English sterling silver. The collar has the initials JG&S (or possibly B) within an elongated oval, a lion passant facing left and a year mark k both in rectangular shields. The lid itself has the marks of a lion passant facing left and a year mark k both in rectangular shields on the underside.
Distinguishing Characteristics - Most Interesting About The Piece: A nice and very unusual antique inkwell to add to your collection.
Condition: The inkwell is in very good condition. The piece itself has no chips, no cracks, no hairlines, and no repairs. The piece has a few flea bites along the edges that are difficult to see, but can be felt. The glass insert has a couple of small nick or chips at the edge. The lid and collar have a few nicks along the edges, a ding or two, and scratches throughout. Even though the piece has markings suggesting the collar and lid are English Sterling, we feel that the markings are missing the mark indicating where it was made (Anchor for Birmingham, Leopard's head for London, etc.). The sterling collar and lid are lightly tarnished and could probably use a good polishing. The base of the inkwell shows scratches to the glass surface but no losses or breaks. Be that as it may, the piece is in very good condition, is intact after being around for all these years and is great looking. It would make a great addition to your collection of glass inkwells. Please see photos for additional condition information.
