Hand-Hammered Steel & Brass Double Inkstand
| Categories | Arts & Crafts |
| Material | Brass, Metal |
| Markings | Unmarked |
| Manufacturer | Undetermined |
| Origin | Undetermined |
| Date or Era | circa 1900 |
| Measuring | (11 ¼” × 7 ¾” ×3 ½” across handle arches) |
This piece is an Arts & Crafts movement double-well inkstand, dating from circa 1895–1915. It was most likely made in England or the United States.
Characteristics
- Period & Style: Circa 1895–1915 Arts & Crafts style. The design emphasizes hand-hammered textures, structural rivets, mixed metals, and visible construction rather than smooth, hidden joinery.
- Origin: England or the United States. Workshops in the UK (such as those influenced by Newlyn or Birmingham metalcrafters) and American Arts & Crafts makers produced industrial-gothic and craftsman desk furniture featuring mixed steel/iron and brass.
- Materials:
- Base Metal: Hand-hammered sheet steel or iron (magnetic), showing planishing mark textures and hand-punched patterning across the slant pen tray and lids.
- Trim & Strapping: Rolled, hand-punched brass handles, side straps, and rivet caps providing a two-tone “mixed metal” contrast.
- Glass Inserts: Molded green glass pots. The insert with the funnel top is a traditional safety funnel insert designed to prevent ink spills and control dip-pen ink uptake.
Structural Breakdown
| Component | Description & Feature |
| Metalwork Construction | Sheet steel base and reservoir casing with heavy overall hand-hammering (peening). |
| Handles & Trim | High arched brass strap handles riveted to the sides; brass edge collars reinforcing the pen tray border. |
| Center Medallion | Applied oval relief plaque on the front wall featuring a grid-and-dot motif, a classic Arts & Crafts geometric detail. |
| Ink Reservoirs | Twin hinged rectangular metal covers over dual wells; includes original heavy green glass ink liners and a glass dip funnel. |
Summary
Arts & Crafts Hand-Hammered Steel & Brass Double Inkstand (c. 1900)
Hand-crafted early 20th-century Arts & Crafts movement double inkstand constructed of heavy hand-planished sheet steel with contrasting brass strap handles, edge trims, and structural rivets. Features a sloped front pen tray, hinged steel lids, an applied central geometric grid emblem, and dual-fitted green glass ink inserts with a glass safety funnel top. Unmarked, characteristic of regional metalcraft guilds. Outstanding period patina and industrial-craftsman aesthetic.
Estimated value: $150
Content disclaimer. The information posted is the owner’s best knowledge and may not have been vetted by the SOIC. We welcome comments, corrections, and additions, working to make our website information comprehensive and accurate.
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