1894 Austro-Hungarian Brass Presentation Inkstand

Description

This late 19th-century Austro-Hungarian Neo-Rococo (Rococo Revival) brass inkstand features ornate openwork and ornate scrollwork:

• Base & Feet: The rectangular brass tray features an openwork border filled with scrolling acanthus leaves, C-scrolls, and rocaille motifs. It sits elevated on four scroll-and-leaf corner feet.
• Inkwell Housings & Inserts: Positioned symmetrically on the tray are two square brass inkwell housings. Each features hinged, pyramid-shaped lids decorated with swirling leaf relief and crowned with leafy finial knobs. Inside each housing rests an original frosted glass insert fitted with a knurled brass rim (one retains traces of dried red/magenta ink).
• Pen Rest: Extending forward from the base of the inkwell housings are two upright, c-scrolled brass brackets designed to cradle dip pens.
• Central Field: A smooth, unadorned rectangular plate in the center serves as the plaque for the custom-engraved presentation inscription.

Inscription Verification & Translation

Original Hungarian Text

Lung György

tanácsnok úrnak

25 éves hivataloskodásának

Emlékére

a IV. k. o. díjnokaitól

1894.

English Translation:

“To Council Member György Lung, in commemoration of his 25 years of official service, from the clerks of the IV District [Belváros] Division. 1894.”

Historical Context & Origin

Where was it made?

• Location: Budapest, Hungary (during the Austro-Hungarian Empire / Dual Monarchy period).
• District Context: In 1894 Budapest, the IV. kerület (District IV) corresponded to Belváros (the central Inner City district of Budapest). György Lung was a well-documented Budapest city councilor (fővárosi tanácsnok) who oversaw municipal administration and public affairs during the 1880s through 1900s.

Who made it?

• Maker: The inkstand does not bear a visible foundry mark, which was standard for cast brass desk presentation items of this era. It was produced by a Budapest or Viennese brass foundry / metalworking shop (sárgarézöntő) specializing in decorative cast metalwork and commercial presentation pieces. The custom inscription was subsequently hand-engraved by a local Budapest engraver upon its commissioning by the district clerks in 1894.