Silver-Mounted Ebony Inkstand

A rectangular desk stand crafted from Macassar ebony (or Coromandel) wood, fitted with a pierced sterling silver gallery rail featuring scrollwork decoration. It holds two cut-lead crystal inkwells with silver collars and hinged domed lids topped with flame finials. The front features a silver pen holder and a central plaque engraved with the monogram “GEW.”

Identification:

The mark “W.C” combined with the London hallmarks corresponds to William Richard Corke (often trading as Corke Brothers), a silversmith known for high-quality desk accessories and small silver goods.

Date: The date letter visible in the hallmarks (a lowercase “a” in a shield with a clipped top corner) specifically dates this piece to 1896.

Detailed Description

1. The Base:

• Material: The plinth is made of a dense, high-quality exotic hardwood. Based on the dark color and the distinct lighter brown grain streaks, this is likely Macassar Ebony or Coromandel wood. These were expensive, luxury woods imported from the tropics and were very fashionable in the 1890s for high-end gentlemen’s desk sets.
• Form: It is a rectangular platform with beveled (sloping) edges, raised on a flat base.

2. The Silver Gallery:

• Running along the back and sides is a raised sterling silver gallery rail. It features pierced (reticulated) fretwork in a scrolling foliate (leaf and vine) pattern.
• The center of the rear gallery features a solid oval cartouche, which is currently blank (unengraved).

3. The Inkwells:

• Glass: The set includes two heavy, square blocks of clear lead crystal. They feature a diamond-cut pattern on the bottom and sides.
• Silver Mounts: The bottles are fitted with sterling silver collars and hinged lids.
• Lids: The lids are domed with a decorative rim and surmounted by distinct flame finials.

4. Additional Fittings:

• Pen Holder: Two silver hooks (or “j-brackets”) are mounted at the front of the stand. These are designed to hold a dip pen horizontally when not in use.
• Presentation Plaque: Between the pen rests is a rectangular silver plaque pinned to the wood. It is engraved with the elaborate script initials/monogram “GEW”.
• Corner Mounts: The front two corners of the wooden base are protected by silver guards with a gadrooned (rope-twist) edge.

Hallmarks

The piece is fully hallmarked on almost every silver component (lids, collars, rail, plaque, and pen rests), which is a sign of quality.

• Lion Passant: Certifies the metal is Sterling Silver (.925).
• Leopard’s Head: Indicates the London Assay Office.
• Date Letter ‘a’: Indicates the year 1896.
• Maker’s Mark ‘W.C’: William Richard Corke.