Hand-Hammered Copper Inkwell with Frog Finial

Description

This Arts and Crafts period hand-planished copper inkwell features a distinct spherical body with a hand-hammered texture. The hinged, domed lid is shaped like a lily pad with wavy, scalloped edges and is surmounted by a detailed cast figure of a frog. A sturdy copper hinge with visible rivets secures the lid to the upper body of the inkwell.

When the lid is raised, it reveals a removable, fitted pewter insert. The interior base of the copper housing features two rivets securing an applied brass tag, stamped with the maker’s mark: “GIBBONS, WOLVERHAMPTON”.

Manufacturer History

James Gibbons Ltd. of Wolverhampton, England, was one of Great Britain’s oldest established metalworking firms. Originally founded as a locksmith business—traditionally traced to Thomas Gibbons in 1670 or James Gibbons in 1750—the company operated out of the St. John’s Works on Church Street in Wolverhampton.

While primarily known for high-grade locks, builders’ ironmongery, and architectural brassware (even supplying metalwork for historic landmarks such as the Houses of Parliament and Buckingham Palace), Gibbons operated a dedicated Art Metal Department. Around the turn of the 20th century, this department produced a range of decorative, hand-finished copper, brass, and bronze items to meet the growing popular demand for Arts and Crafts and Art Nouveau style interior fittings.

Origin & Date

• Where Made: Wolverhampton, Staffordshire, England (at the St. John’s Works of James Gibbons Ltd.)
• When Made: Circa 1895–1910

This piece reflects the Arts and Crafts and early Art Nouveau movement, which emphasized hand-planished (hammered) surfaces, naturalistic imagery (such as frogs and lily pads), and visible structural details like rivets and heavy hinges.