Hunter and Stag Inkstand

This is an elaborate 19th-century WMF (Württembergische Metallwarenfabrik) plated inkstand, crafted from Britannia metal with an antique silver finish.

Key Features:

• Material and Finish:
  • Britannia Metal: The inkstand is primarily made of Britannia metal, a pewter-like alloy known for its malleability and ability to take fine detail.
  • Plating: It’s plated with a normal thickness of silver plating (“I/O” mark), giving it a lustrous appearance.
  • Antique Silver Finish: The “as” mark indicates an antique silver finish, creating a patinated, aged look.
• Design:
  • Central Inkwell: The inkstand features a central glass inkwell with a domed metal lid.
  • Figural Group: The inkwell depicts a young man in medieval or Renaissance attire standing beside a stag or deer.
  • Decorative Base: The base of the inkstand is designed with scrolling foliage, flowing lines, and relief details, characteristic of Art Nouveau. It features two shallow dish-shaped compartments on either side of the central inkwell.
  • Symbolic Details: The base also incorporates details, such as a hunting horn, a quiver of arrows, and a shield-like element, reinforcing the hunting or woodland theme.
• WMF Marks:
  • “WMFB” Mark: This mark confirms the inkstand’s production by WMF using Britannia metal.
  • “I/O” Mark: Indicates the normal thickness of plating.
  • “as” Mark: Indicates the antique silver finish.

The Cross in the Deer’s Head:

The presence of a cross in the deer’s head is symbolic.

• Saint Hubertus: Saint Hubertus is the patron saint of hunters.

Legend has it that he saw a stag with a crucifix between its antlers, leading to his conversion to Christianity.