Faux Tortoiseshell and Silver Double Inkstand

This rectangular, multi-component inkstand features two inkwells, a pen holder, and an ornate, raised gallery at the back. It is supported by four detailed, cast silver feet.

• Materials and Construction:
  • The Main Body: The inkstand is primarily made of a material that is a mottled amber to brown in color, with lighter translucent patches and darker streaks. This is an imitation of tortoiseshell. While it is possible it is genuine tortoiseshell (made from the shell of the hawksbill sea turtle), given the 1905 date, it is highly likely a high-quality, early form of celluloid, a synthetic plastic that was commonly used to mimic expensive materials like tortoiseshell and ivory. These pieces are often referred to as “tortoiseshell” in the trade, regardless of whether they are genuine or imitation.
  • Silver: The entire inkstand is framed and decorated with sterling silver. The framework, the raised gallery at the back, the feet, and the surrounds of the inkwells are all sterling silver. The silver is stamped with a lion passant, the official mark for sterling silver, and hallmarked for London, 1905, and the maker’s mark for William Comyns & Sons.
  • Silver Inlay: The most exquisite decorative feature is the intricate floral inlay on the tortoiseshell substance. On the main tray, a large, flowing design of flowers, leaves, and a basket in the center is inlaid flush with the surface. This technique, known as piqué, involves setting tiny pieces of silver into the tortoiseshell to create elaborate patterns. A matching, smaller floral design in a vase is inlaid on the lid of each inkwell.
• Inkwells: There are two glass inkwells, each of a square shape. The glass is acid-etched with a delicate floral pattern, visible as a frosted-looking design.  The inkwells have hinged lids, also made of the tortoiseshell material, with silver piqué inlay.

William Comyns & Sons: This was a renowned London-based firm of silversmiths, famous for producing high-quality and beautifully designed items for the home, including inkstands, dressing table sets, and other accessories.