Shakespeare’s Sir John Falstaff
| Categories | Figural - Mythology; Literature; Religion; Fictional |
| Type | Literature |
| Material | Cast iron |
| Manufacturer | Friedrichsberg Ironworks |
| Origin | Germany |
| Date or Era | circa 1830 |
| Measuring | 4 ¾” x 2 ¾” x 7 ½” tall |
This cast iron figure of Falstaff disassembles into several parts. The top half lifts to access the inkwell. The head pulls out and can be used as a seal. The upper body contains a sander in the ruffled collar. The sword can be used as a knife. Finding an example with all parts intact is a rarity. A complete set can be seen at the Museum of Fine Arts, Budapest Hungary (pictured).
The Freidrichsberg Ironwork in Berlin cast these inkstands around 1830. The plump figure of Sir John Falstaff from Shakespeare’s “King Henry IV” in a lunging position stands on a rectangular plinth. Written on the plinth in cursive is a quote from Act 2, Scene 4 in German: So lag ich und so führte ich meine Klinge (Here I lay, and thus I bore my point).
Estimated value (complete): $1,000
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.
Join the Society of Inkwell Collectors (SOIC) – it’s free!
Founded in 1981 as a non-profit organization,
we are documenting inkwells (and accessories).
We’re here to help and inform!