Angry Cat Pen Wipe

This figural pen wipe, crafted in the form of an angry or “arched-back” cat, is an example of Victorian desk whimsicality.

Physical Description

• Form: The piece depicts a cat in a defensive posture with an arched back, raised tail, and an expressive, snarling face.
• Material: The body is made of cast iron with a dark, patinated finish.
• The Wipe: A thick bundle of natural boar bristles is inset into the cat’s back. These bristles were used to clean excess ink from the nibs of dip pens to prevent clogging and corrosion.
• Detailing: The casting includes textured “fur” patterns, particularly visible on the legs and the thick, segmented tail.

Historical Information and Identification

Based on the design and manufacturing style, here is the context for your piece:

• Era: This design dates to the late 19th century (circa 1880–1895). During this period, “grotesque” or humorous animals were a popular sub-genre of Victorian desk accessories.
• Functionality: While it appears purely decorative, the weight of the cast iron served as a stable base, allowing the writer to vigorously “stab” their pen nib into the bristles to clean it without the cat sliding across the desk.