Inkipedia
Sundial Inkstand
| Categories | Figural - Inanimate |
| Material | Brass |
| Markings | See narrative |
| Manufacturer | Wm Tonks & Sons |
| Origin | England |
| Date or Era | circa 1890 |
| Measuring | 4 ⅜” x 4 ⅜” x 4 ¾” high |
This inkwell is fashioned in the form of a sundial, made of brass, with a square base and a cylindrical column rising from it. On top of the column is a flat, square surface with engraved Roman numerals and lines, resembling a sundial. There is a triangular gnomon (the part of a sundial that casts the shadow) mounted on this surface.
The inkwell is marked “RD 641463 WT&S T5479”. The mark “WT&S” on the bottom indicates that it was manufactured by William Tonks & Sons, a well-known English manufacturer of brass and metal items. William Tonks founded the company in 1789 (or 1794), and it became renowned for producing high-quality architectural hardware, art metalware, and other decorative items.
Sold for $57 in December 2024
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