Vintage Desktop White Metal Inkwell Elk's Head Design Heavy Glass Insert For Your Inkwell Collection
Description: A vintage white metal or possibly cast aluminum inkwell having a heavy glass insert with lift-off metal lid with a raised floral design. The Metal base of the well is shaped in the form of an elk's head with long horns having multiple points. These serve as rests for the quills or writing points. The piece has a base with leaves and berries and a central opening in which a large and heavy cube shaped glass inkwell would fit. The base has an elk's head attached to it using two screws which are ferrous in nature since they stick to a magnet. The rest of the metal does not. The top of the elk's head is monogrammed. The head is also made of two pieces of slightly different coloring. Both halves of the head fit together tightly and appear to be all original with the monogrammed letters extending on both halves. A great looking and rather unusual inkwell which would make a great addition to your collection. Please carefully review the photos as they are part and parcel of our description.
Date: Uncertain, but we believe this piece could be from the mid 1900s could be later.
Origin: Purchased at an estate sale in southeastern Pennsylvania.
Size: Base measures ~6" by ~4" and is ~5" at its highest. The length of elke's head with the horns is ~7 1/2" with the glass inkwell is ~2 3/4" by ~2 3/4" and is ~2 3/4" at its highest with the lid on. The glass well weighs ~12 ounces by itself while the metal portion weighs a bit over 9 ounces. The entire piece weighs almost One pound and six ounces.
Maker: Unknown.
Marks: Unmarked as to the maker.
Distinguishing Characteristics - Most Interesting About The Piece: Definitely an interesting and very unusual inkwell to add to your collection.
Condition: The inkwell is in very good condition with no cracks, breaks or repairs to the metal portion. The metal portion has a few scratches and some minor losses to the surface finish especially to the edge of the lid of the glass inkwell. The glass inkwell itself has one chip at the top corner which we try to show in the next to last photo. Other than that the piece is all original and in very good condition. The piece is a bit soiled and would probably benefit from a good cleaning but we leave that to the discretion of the new owner. Please see photos for additional condition information.
