Statue of Liberty Souvenir Inkstand

This souvenir inkstand captures the architectural marvels of New York City during a period of rapid growth and innovation.

Description:

The inkstand is made of brass with two glass inkwells. Its central feature is a miniature rendition of the Statue of Liberty.

• Central Figure: A golden-toned miniature Statue of Liberty stands prominently in the center of the inkstand. She is depicted with her torch held high, characteristic crown, and drapery. She stands on a multi-tiered base, which itself is an abbreviated representation of the statue’s actual pedestal.
• Inkwells: On either side of the Statue of Liberty are two clear glass inkwells. These sit within ornate, openwork gilded metal holders that are part of the inkstand’s base.
• Lids: Each glass inkwell is topped with a circular brass lid:
  • One lid is embossed with an image of the “New Pennsylvania Station”. This refers to the original Beaux-Arts Pennsylvania Station in New York City, completed in 1910.
  • The other lid is embossed with an image of the “Metropolitan Life Building – Highest in the World”. This refers to the Metropolitan Life Insurance Company Tower, completed in 1909, which held the title of the world’s tallest building until 1913.
• Base: The entire ensemble rests on an elaborate, gilded metal base with scrolled feet and decorative elements. The base is a single casting, holding all the elements together.

How old is this inkstand?

The markings on the inkwell lids provide precise clues for dating this piece:

• New Pennsylvania Station: The original Pennsylvania Station was completed and opened in 1910.
• Metropolitan Life Building – Highest in the World: The Metropolitan Life Tower was completed in 1909 and was the “Highest in the World” at that time. However, it lost this title in 1913 when the Woolworth Building was completed.

Given that the inkstand proudly advertises the Metropolitan Life Building as “Highest in the World,” it strongly suggests it was produced before 1913 when it lost that distinction. Both landmarks were completed in 1909 and 1910.

Therefore, this inkstand was most likely produced between 1910 (when Pennsylvania Station opened) and 1913 (when the Met Life Tower lost its “highest” title).