American Brilliant Cut Glass Inkwell with Sterling Silver Lid

Description

• The Glass Base: A heavy, thick-walled crystal base executed in the American Brilliant Cut Glass (ABCG) style. The intricate, deep geometric miters feature a combination of classic motifs: large hobstars enclosed in diamond fields, vertical fan cuts, and panels of crisp strawberry diamond cross-hatching. The underside of the base features a stunning, full-surface radiating multi-point starburst (or buzz-star) pattern that maximizes light refraction.
• The Silver Lid: A domed, hinged lid decorated with high-relief repoussé work (hammered from the inside) and fine surface chasing. The design features a lush Victorian/Art Nouveau transition motif of blooming flowers (resembling wild roses or poppies) intertwined with flowing scrolls and acanthus leaves.
• The Monogram: The smooth, polished central cartouche on top of the lid is engraved with an elegant, intertwined three-letter script monogram (resembling JMH, LMH, or WLH).
• The Interior: The lid opens on a hinge to reveal a wide collar. Notably, it retains its original, small removable ink insert cup/liner. A white composition gasket/washer is present around the rim to seal the well and prevent evaporation.

Markings & Construction

On the side of the silver collar near the hinge, the piece is stamped in clean, plain block letters:

STERLING – SILVER

The presence of a hyphen and the lack of a prominent pictorial hallmark (such as the Gorham lion/anchor or the Unger Brothers crescent) is typical for American contract silversmiths or regional glass houses that sourced high-quality silver mounts from independent silver manufacturers in Connecticut, New York, or New Jersey.

Origin, Maker, and Age

• Where was it made? It was made in the United States.
• Who made it? While the specific glass house and silversmith are unattributed due to the lack of a pictorial trademark, it was crafted by a top-tier American cut glass manufacturer (such as Hawkes, Hoare, Libbey, or Dorflinger) using a silver mount provided by a contemporary American silversmithing firm.
• How old is it? It dates directly to the height of the American Brilliant Cut Glass period, circa 1895–1910.