Meriden Britannia Co. Crystal Inkwell with Footed Silverplated Tray

Description

This inkstand features a faceted crystal inkwell on an ornate silverplated footed oval tray.

• The Inkwell: The heavy glass body exhibits a combination of hobnail, cross-hatch, and fluted panel cuts. The collar of the inkwell is fitted with a textured, beaded silverplated mount and a hinged cap.
• The Lid & Hinge: The domed, weighted silverplated lid features a smooth, polished finish with a central circular button and opens vertically on a tight 5-barrel hinge.
• The Tray: The oval base plate is cast with Rococo revival scrollwork, acanthus leaves, and flanged cartouches along the scalloped rim. A raised, conforming circular gallery collar sits in the center of the tray to hold the glass inkwell in place.

Information About the Meriden Company

The item originates from the Meriden Britannia Company, which was established in 1852 in Meriden, Connecticut (“The Silver City”).

• Originally founded to manufacture wares out of Britannia metal (a tin-based alloy), the firm expanded rapidly into high-quality silver plating.
• Through exceptional craftsmanship and strategic acquisitions—such as joining forces with the famous Rogers Brothers in 1862—Meriden Britannia grew to become one of the largest and most prestigious silverware manufacturers in the world during the 19^th century.
• In 1898, Meriden Britannia was a primary organizer and founding member of the International Silver Company, though the company continued to use its well-known trademarks and brand names for decades afterward.

Dating the Inkstand from the Markings

The underside of the tray reveals diagnostic hallmarks that allow us to narrow down its production window:

1. The Circular “Scales and Shield” Trademark: The circular stamp reads “MADE AND GUARANTEED BY” surrounding a central emblem featuring a pair of weighing scales, a shield, and the text “MERIDEN B. COMPANY”.
2. Historical Mark Usage: Variations of this circular scales trademark (often featuring the scales of justice symbolizing honest weight and standard plating thickness) were widely utilized by the Meriden Britannia Company from the late 19th century into the early 20th century (circa 1880s–1910s).
3. Pattern / Item Number: The number “454” stamped alongside “U.S.A.” reflects the hollowware production style and shape catalog number. The inclusion of “U.S.A.” as a standardized country-of-origin stamp became mandatory for export and domestic commerce following the McKinley Tariff Act of 1890, pointing firmly toward a production date between the 1890s and early 1900s (circa 1890–1910).