Roycroft Hand-Hammered Copper & Beveled Glass “Rope Braid” Inkstand

This Roycroft Arts & Crafts inkstand features twisted metal “rope braid” trim, paired with the hammered copper construction and heavy cut glass.

Mark Identification & Dating Analysis

Based on the mark stamped on the underside rim, this is an Early Mark (c. 1909–1920). The “R” inside the orb clearly features the characteristic curled tail and serif flourishes, and there is no text below the orb. Furthermore, the fine, wide proportion of the crossbars aligns directly with early shopmark punches used during Karl Kipp’s and Walter Jennings’ influence in the Roycroft Copper Shop (c. 1910–1918).

Design Note on the “Rope Braid”: Applied heavy twisted-wire or “rope” borders were utilized on select high-end metalwork directed by metal smiths like Karl Kipp (who headed the Copper Shop around 1911–1912 and returned in 1915). It is significantly rarer than standard Roycroft rolled-rim or plain riveted border designs.

Summary

Roycroft Hand-Hammered Copper & Beveled Glass “Rope Braid” Inkstand

East Aurora, New York | Early Mark, c. 1910–1918

An American Arts & Crafts inkstand produced at the Roycroft Campus under the direction of Elbert Hubbard. This piece features a square, flared-apron copper base with heavy hand-hammering throughout the sloped shoulders, supported on four original brass ball feet. Framed within an applied, heavy twisted copper-and-brass “rope braid” collar is the original thick-walled, hand-beveled clear glass inkwell.

The inkwell is capped by its original fitted copper lift-off lid, detailed with matching rope-braid border trim, hand-hammered casing, and a solid turned brass knob handle. The piece retains its original multi-toned mottled finish, showcasing rich highlights of warm gold, oxidized brass, copper undertones, and dark patinated lowlights. The underside of the tray rim bears the early stamped Roycroft orb-and-cross mark with the distinct single-curled “R”.

• Manufacturer: Roycroft Copper Shop (East Aurora, NY)
• Maker’s Mark: Stamped early orb-and-cross shop mark on base rim (c. 1909–1918)
• Materials: Hand-hammered copper, brass trim/feet, leaded cut/beveled glass