Sterling Silver Capstan Inkwell

Description

This sterling silver inkwell features a classic, low-profile “capstan” or “stand” design, popular for its stability on a desk. The piece is characterized by its elegant lobed or scalloped edges on both the wide, weighted base and the matching hinged lid. The tiered, molded borders give it a sophisticated architectural feel.

• Lid: A hinged, domed lid with a scalloped rim that mirrors the base. The interior of the lid is clearly hallmarked.
• Body: A central well sits atop a flared circular pedestal, which flows into the broad, decorative base.
• Liner: Includes its original clear glass ink reservoir.
• Base: The underside is finished with a leather lined pad.

Hallmarks

The piece bears a full set of English silver hallmarks for Sheffield, 1901:

1. HE / & Co: The maker’s mark for Hawksworth, Eyre & Co. (specifically the mark used after they became a limited liability company).
2. Crown: The town mark for the Sheffield Assay Office.
3. Lion Passant: The “Standard Mark” certifying it is .925 Sterling Silver.
4. Date Letter “i”: Representing the year 1901.

About the Silversmith: Hawksworth, Eyre & Co.

Hawksworth, Eyre & Co. was a prominent manufacturing silversmith based in Sheffield, England.

• Founding: The company was established in 1833 by Charles Hawksworth and John Eyre, succeeding the firm of Blagden, Hodgson & Co.
• Reputation: They were renowned for their high-quality workmanship in both sterling silver and “Old Sheffield Plate.” They were early adopters of electroplating technology but maintained a prestigious reputation for their solid silver desk accessories, candlesticks, and tea services.
• Exhibition: The firm was distinguished enough to exhibit at the 1851 Great Exhibition in London, showcasing their intricate designs to a global audience.
• Legacy: In the 1870s, the firm became a limited company (Hawksworth, Eyre & Co. Ltd.). They continued to produce fine silverware through the Edwardian era until they eventually ceased trading and went into liquidation in the early 1930s. Their dies and patterns were later acquired by other notable firms, such as Barker Ellis.