Art Nouveau Inkstand Marked “Real Bronze”

This is an Art Nouveau (Jugendstil) double inkstand, likely manufactured in Germany or Austria between 1900 and 1915.

Description

• Form & Style: The piece features a broad, sweeping base with a slightly raised central platform. The design is characteristic of the Art Nouveau movement, emphasizing fluid, organic lines and a low, grounded profile.
• Ornamentation: It is decorated with floral repoussé (embossed) work, specifically depicting a cluster of three-petaled flowers and leaves on the front apron and a single matching blossom on the hinged lid.
• Inkwells: The hinged lid opens to reveal two circular openings for glass ink inserts.
• Markings: The underside is stamped with the production number 4745 and a rectangular cartouche containing the words “REAL BRONZE”.

Origin and Age

• Where it was made: The mark “Real Bronze” (often seen alongside the German word Geschützt, meaning “protected” or “copyrighted”) was frequently used by German and Austrian foundries during the late 19th and early 20th centuries to denote high-quality cast metal items intended for the international export market, particularly to the UK and USA.
• Age: Based on the specific floral motif and the “Real Bronze” stamping style, this piece dates to approximately 1900–1910. It captures the transition from the highly ornate Victorian era to the more streamlined, nature-inspired Art Nouveau aesthetic.

Note on Materials

While marked “Real Bronze,” these desk accessories were often cast in a bronzed brass or a “white metal” alloy that was then finished with a thick bronze plating to achieve the desired patina. The bright gold-tone surface suggests a high copper content in the alloy.