Silver Crest Double Inkstand

This Silver Crest double inkstand is an  example of Arts & Crafts or early Art Deco metalware produced by the Smith Metal Arts Company of Buffalo, New York.

Description

The inkstand consists of a bronze base with a central curved pen tray and two raised square compartments at either end. The decorative silver-colored borders on the lids and the sides are made of sterling silver.

Smith Metal Arts utilized a specialized process (originally patented by the Heintz Art Metal Shop) that allowed sterling silver ornamentation to be applied directly to bronze without the use of messy solder.

The Maker’s Marks (Metal Base)

The hallmark on the bottom of the inkstand provides the following details:

• Logo: A circular crest featuring the words “Silver Crest” over a script “S” and “M” (representing Smith Metal).
• Text: It is marked “Sterling” and “Decorated Bronze”, confirming the materials used.
• Model Number: The number “708” is the specific form or catalog model number for this design, and the “G” likely indicates a specific finish or variation, such as a gold-tone or “Gold Dore” patina.

Glass Inkwell Marks

The glass inserts inside this inkstand were often sourced from specialized glass manufacturers of the period. The marks on the glass indicate:

• Brand: “GEM NO. 5”, which was a common line of high-quality glass desk accessories.
• Patent: “U.S. PAT. OCT 24 1916”. This patent date refers to the “safety” swivel lid design, which was intended to keep the ink from evaporating or spilling.

Manufacturer & Date

• Company: Smith Metal Arts Company.
• Origin: Buffalo, New York.
• Approximate Age: Circa 1919–1930.

Note: While the glass has a 1916 patent date, the Smith Metal Arts Company was not formed until 1919, when Frederick Smith (a top salesman at Heintz Art Metal) left to start his own firm after Otto Heintz’s death.