English Traveling Inkwell

This English William IV traveling inkwell is a magnificent example of 19th-century desk luxury and fine silversmithing.

Key Features & Design:

• Body: The base consists of heavy, high-quality cut glass featuring a brilliant hobnail or prism-cut geometric pattern that catches and refracts light from every angle. It has deep cross-cut facets on both the sides and the flat base.
• Gilt Lid & Mounts: The silver lid mount and ink collar are crafted from solid sterling silver finished in a rich, warm gold wash (vermeil / silver gilt).
• Engine-Turning (Guilloché): The top surface of the lid and the circular collar mechanism are meticulously embellished with fine engine-turned sunburst and cross-hatched patterning, reflecting the high craftsmanship of the period.
• Inkwell Mechanism: Designed for travel, the inkwell features a hinged, spring-loaded lid fitted with a secure closure system and an internal washer/seal to prevent leaks. When opened, the interior lid reveals a fitted stopper designed to seal the ink reservoir snugly.
• Hallmarks: Clear, crisp hallmarks are struck directly into the gilt silver rim of the lid, displaying the maker’s mark AD for Archibald Douglas, alongside the duty mark (head of King William IV), the lion passant indicating sterling silver, the leopard’s head for the London assay office, and the date letter for 1835.