Big Game Hunt Silverplated Inkstand

This is a late Victorian/Edwardian figural inkstand by the firm Mappin & Webb. Based on the “Z” date letter and the “Prince’s Plate” trademark, we can pin down the details.

Description

Theme and Composition This inkstand depicts a dramatic “Big Game Hunt” scene, a popular motif during the British Raj period. The centerpiece is a realistically cast Indian elephant, identified by its smaller ears and the “caparisoned” (ornamental) blanket across its back.

• The Figures: An Indian mahout (elephant rider/guide) is seated atop the elephant, brandishing an ankus (a traditional bullhook or goad) to guide the animal. In a dynamic pose nearby, a huntsman in period attire is aiming a rifle.
• The Inkwell: The set includes a heavy cut-glass inkwell with an octagonal or multifaceted base. It is topped with a silverplated hinged lid and a stemmed bottom that fits securely into a circular aperture on the tray.
• The Stand: The entire scene is mounted on a polished, silverplated oval tray with a scalloped “pie-crust” edge. The tray is raised on four cast scrolled feet.

Hallmarks and Dating

The markings on the underside provide a clear “biography” of the piece:

• Triple Deposit: This indicates a premium plating process where three times the standard amount of silver was used, ensuring the piece’s longevity and luster.
• Prince’s Plate: This was Mappin & Webb’s proprietary high-grade electroplate, which they claimed was more durable than standard silver plate.
• Date Letter “Z”: Mappin & Webb used a sequence of letters to date their plated wares. While “y” is widely documented as the mark for 1900, the gothic or shield-enclosed “Z” corresponds to 1901, marking the transition from the Victorian to the Edwardian era.
• Pattern Number W25171: This is the manufacturer’s specific catalog or design number for this figural arrangement.

About Mappin & Webb

Founded in Sheffield in 1775 by Jonathan Mappin, the company grew to become one of the most prestigious silversmiths in British history.

• Royal Prestige: The firm was granted its first Royal Warrant by Queen Victoria in 1897 and has served every British monarch since. They are famously the official Crown Jewelers today.
• Prince’s Plate Heritage: Introduced around 1888–1890, Prince’s Plate was a revolutionary marketing success. It allowed the emerging middle class to own tableware that looked and felt like solid sterling silver but at a more accessible price point.

Summary

Antique Mappin & Webb “Big Game Hunt” Figural Inkstand (c. 1901) A superb Edwardian-era silverplated inkstand featuring a finely cast Indian elephant with mahout and a huntsman in a shooting pose. Constructed of “Prince’s Plate” using the “Triple Deposit” silvering process. Features a cut-glass inkwell with a hinged lid, set upon a scalloped-edge footed tray. Marked with date letter “Z” and pattern W25171. An exceptional example of British colonial-themed decorative metalwork.

Detailed look at Mappin & Webb hallmarks

This video provides a look at the historical context of high-end British silverplate from this era, which helps illustrate why the “Triple Deposit” mark was so important for quality.