18th Century Pewter Capstan Inkwell

This is a pewter capstan inkwell, designed to resemble a ship’s capstan. It has a broad, flat base that tapers into a cylindrical body, topped with a hinged lid featuring a small knob handle. It has five quill holes.

It was found with a yellowed paper card which provides some history, reading:

English Pewter Inkwell 18th century / Sat on desk of Judge trough all its history. Original quill pen.–“Upper Canada” / Owner,-Mrs. Walter James Sparks

Note: A capstan is a device used primarily on ships for moving or raising heavy weights. It consists of a broad, revolving cylinder with a vertical axis. Sailors would wind a rope or cable around the capstan and either push it around by hand or use a motor to rotate it. This mechanism multiplies the pulling force, making it easier to haul heavy objects.