Buyer Be Aware! – Pug’s Head Inkwell

I’m not positive that this dog’s head inkwell is of modern manufacture, but there are indications. A first indication is that a number of these were showing up online with some frequency. None of them had inserts. Lift the top of the dog’s head, with flat surfaces (top and around the opening) I doubt an insert would fit properly. And, finally, the heaviness and roughness of the hinge make me think this piece is not antique. The “BERG” marking on the collar strikes me as a fabrication, though I must say, they did a nice job with the collar’s buckle and distressing the paint overall.  These pieces are sold as “bronze”, but the metal seems to have a copper-colored cast.

This is a piece I would want to handle in person before purchasing.