Silverplated Double Inkstand with Pen Rack

Description of this silverplated double inkstand with an integrated pen rack:

• Material and Finish: The inkstand is made of silver-plated metal, as indicated by the “Quadruple Plate” mark.
• Design and Components: The inkstand features a rectangular tray-like base with highly ornate, decorative borders, floral motifs. It is supported by four small, ornamental feet.
  • Inkwells: Two square, clear glass inkwells are nestled into recesses on the tray. Each inkwell is topped with a decorative silver-plated hinged lid with a wreath design.
  • Pen Rack/Handle: Rising from the back of the base are two elaborate, ornate silver-plated scrollwork pieces. These serve as a back panel and function as a pen rack.
• Marking: The underside of the inkstand is stamped “Barbour Silver Co. – Quadruple”.

History of Barbour Silver Co.

The Barbour Silver Co. was a significant American manufacturer of silver-plated ware, prominent in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

• Foundation: The company was established in 1892 in Hartford, Connecticut.
• Products and Quality: Barbour Silver Co. was known for producing a wide array of silver-plated items, including hollowware, tableware, and decorative pieces like this inkstand. The “Quadruple Plate” mark on this inkwell signifies a superior quality of silver plating. This meant that the base metal (typically Britannia metal or white metal) received four layers of silver deposition, resulting in a thicker, more durable, and long-lasting silver finish compared to standard plating. This mark was a guarantee of quality to consumers.

Merger into International Silver Company: Like many other prominent American silver manufacturers of the era, Barbour Silver Co. was a part of the major consolidation trend in the industry. In 1898, it became one of the original companies to merge and form the International Silver Company, a large conglomerate that dominated the American silver market for decades. Although part of International Silver, the “Barbour Silver Co.” name and marks continued to be used on products for some time after the merger.