Sterling Silver Mounted Cut Glass Inkwell

The Hallmarks Decoded

Based on the impressed, here is the breakdown of the identification:

• Maker’s Mark (AD): These initials in a rectangular punch belong to Arthur Downing (Arthur Downing Ltd). He was a well-known silversmith active in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, often specializing in high-quality silver-mounted glass and vanity items.
• Standard Mark: The Lion Passant (walking lion) confirms that the mount and lid are solid sterling silver ($92.5% purity).
• City Mark: The Leopard’s Head represents the London Assay Office. Crucially, the leopard is uncrowned, which means it was assayed after 1821.
• Date Letter (P): While “P” appears in several cycles, the style of the letter and its shield shape—combined with the other marks—identify the year as 1890.
• Duty Mark: The profile of Queen Victoria (facing left) indicates that the excise duty had been paid to the crown. This is the ultimate “tell” for dating this piece: the duty mark was abolished in 1890, making this one of the final pieces to ever receive this stamp.

Description

Antique Victorian Sterling Silver-Mounted Cut Glass Inkwell (1890)

A heavy, high-quality inkwell featuring a deep-cut crystal body in a hobnail diamond pattern. The base is finished with a magnificent multi-point starburst cut.

The sterling silver mount and hinged lid are fully hallmarked for London, 1890, by the reputable maker Arthur Downing. The lid is decorated with a fine engine-turned circular pattern and a milled edge for grip. The interior of the lid and the outer collar both bear clear hallmarks, including the “Duty Mark” of Queen Victoria.