Crystal Inkwell with Sterling Silver Lid

This late-Victorian cut glass inkwell, dating from the turn of the century, combines the artistry of the London silversmithing trade with high-quality English lead crystal.

Description

• The Silverware (William Hutton, 1898): The inkwell features a heavy, solid silver hinged lid and collar. The hallmarks indicate it was assayed in London in 1898 and bears the “W H” maker’s mark for William Hutton & Sons Ltd. The lid is plain in style, hand-polished to a mirror finish, with a sturdy five-part hinge.
• The Glass Body: The inkwell is made from heavy lead crystal, featuring a “Strawberry Diamond and Fan” pattern. The deeply cut facets are designed to catch and refract light, creating a shimmering effect known as “fire” in antique glass.
• The Star Cut Base: The underside features a classic star cut.
  • Identification: A “star cut” usually consists of 16 to 32 points emanating from a central point, whereas a “sunburst” may have finer, more numerous lines that lack the distinct faceted “points” of a star.

About the Maker: William Hutton & Sons

Founded in Birmingham in 1800 by William Hutton, the firm eventually moved to Sheffield in 1832. By the late 19th century, they had a renowned showroom at 7 Farringdon Road, London, where they specialized in luxury “Stationers’ Hardware” and presentation silver. In 1893, the company became a limited liability firm, which is why this 1898 piece bears the “W H & S Ld” mark.