Ornate Double Inkstand with Mirrored Panel Front

Description

• The Center Box: The most prominent feature is a central rectangular box with a mirrored front panel. The interior is lined with wood, suggesting it was intended as a storage compartment. The hinged lid is heavily decorated with reticulated (openwork) scrollwork and a central classical mask, likely depicting a mythological figure.
• The Inkwells: Flanking the center box are two matching inkwells. Their hinged lids are topped with dolphin finials (often called “heraldic dolphins”), which were popular Victorian symbols for speed and diligence.
• The Stand: The tray features a shallow groove along the front edge designed specifically to hold a dip pen. The entire stand rests on four decorative integrated feet.
• Material: The piece is made of silverplate, specifically EPNS (Electro-plated Nickel Silver), which provided the look of solid silver at a more durable and accessible price point.

Interpreting the Marks

The markings on the underside provide specific details about the composition and manufacture of the piece:

• E P / N S: This stands for Electro-plated Nickel Silver. It confirms that the item is a base of nickel silver (a copper alloy) that has been coated with a layer of pure silver using an electrolytic process.
• Center Mark “JS”: This is the Maker’s Mark.
  • The most likely candidate for a “JS” mark on a high-quality Victorian inkstand is John Sherwood & Sons of Birmingham, England. They were prolific manufacturers of plated “fancy goods” and were known for their elaborate cast-metal designs.

Origin and Estimated Age

• Where Made: Birmingham, England. Birmingham was the global center for the production of ornate EPNS desk accessories during the 19th century.
• When Made: Circa 1890–1910. The combination of mirrored glass, wood lining, and Neo-Renaissance dolphin/mask motifs is quintessential for the transition from the Late Victorian to the Edwardian era.
• Who Made It: Highly likely John Sherwood & Sons (registered in Birmingham).

Historical Significance

Inkstands of this scale were designed for a formal library or an executive’s desk. The wood-lined interior and mirrored front indicate this was a high-end commercial model, intended to be as much a piece of furniture as a writing tool.