Tennis Themed Inkwell

During the “tennis craze” of the late 19th century, desk accessories shaped like sporting equipment became extremely popular as gift items and souvenirs.

Description

• Form: The inkwell is designed as a miniature lawn tennis racket that serves as the base (standish). A life-sized (in relative scale) tennis ball is positioned in the center of the strings.
• The Racket: The racket head is an early oval shape, consistent with late 19th-century designs. The metal is cast to mimic the texture of gut stringing and the wooden frame of the period. Note the straight handle and the slightly flared pommel at the end. On the underside, the frame features small integrated feet (studs) to allow the piece to sit level on a desk surface.
• The Ball & Inkwell: The “ball” is a two-part spherical casting. It features a discreet hinge at the rear and a small lip at the front for opening. Inside, it houses a fitted metal rim designed to hold a circular glass ink insert.
• Material: The piece is made of spelter (a zinc-based white metal alloy).

Origins and Manufacturer

• Date: Circa 1885–1895. The design follows the “Lawn Tennis” boom that began in the mid-1870s and reached its peak in the 1890s.
• Origin: Most likely England, specifically the Birmingham area, which was the world center for “toys” (small metal novelties) and desk furniture during this era.

Note

Items like this were frequently given as tournament prizes or “trophies” for club players.