Souvenir of Paris Inkstand

This double inkstand is an example of early 20th-century Parisian souvenir craftsmanship.

Description of the Inkstand

• Material & Finish: Cast metal with a warm copper patina, typical of decorative desk accessories from the interwar period.
• Miniature Landmarks:
  • Eiffel Tower: Rendered with its iconic lattice structure.
  • Le Sacré-Cœur: Captured with domes and architectural flourishes.
• Inkwell Features:
  • Two hinged lids, each inset with a glass-covered photo:
    • Left: L’Arc de Triomphe
    • Right: Notre-Dame Cathedral
  • Original glass inserts are present.
• Pen Tray: Integrated into the base.

Estimated Date of Manufacture

Based on stylistic cues and comparable examples from collectors’ markets, this inkstand likely dates from circa 1920s to early 1930s.

• Art Deco influence: The geometric base and symmetrical layout reflect the design sensibilities of the Art Deco era.
• Tourist boom: Paris was a major destination post–World War I, and such souvenirs were popular among travelers seeking elegant mementos.
• Photographic insets: The use of colorized or sepia-toned images under glass was a hallmark of 1920s souvenir production.