American Sterling Silver and Cut-Glass Inkwell

1. The Design

• The Lid (Repoussé): The lid is made of solid sterling silver and features a high-relief floral design. The technique used is called Repoussé (from the French pousser, “to push”), where the metal is hammered from the reverse side to create the raised design, then chased (refined) from the front.
  • The Motif: The flowers appear to be Daisies, Cosmos, or Marguerites. These were favorite motifs of the Art Nouveau movement, which celebrated natural, organic forms and flowing lines.
• The Glass Body: The base is a heavy block of clear crystal.
  • Cut Pattern: The bottom features a “Hobnail” or “Diamond Point” cut pattern, which is characteristic of the American Brilliant Period (ABP) of cut glass. The faceted corners and heavy weight were designed to catch the light and provide stability on a desk.

2. The Mark and Maker

The lid is clearly stamped “STERLING” on the rim. To the left of the word “Sterling,” there is a small, indistinct maker’s mark. Based on the style and the partial visibility, there are two primary candidates:

• Mauser Manufacturing Company (New York, 1887–1903): Mauser was famous for this specific type of heavy, floral repoussé work. Their mark was a Unicorn head.
• Whiting Manufacturing Company: Another major American silversmith known for floral repoussé. Their mark is a Lion holding a shield with a “W”.
• Other Possibilities: Unger Brothers or William B. Kerr (both New Jersey firms) also specialized in Art Nouveau floral silver, but the mark placement strongly suggests Mauser or Whiting.

3. Historical Context

• Era: c. 1890–1910
• Origin: United States. The use of the word “STERLING” (rather than English hallmarks like a Lion Passant) confirms it is of American manufacture.
• Function: This was a luxury desktop accessory. The heavy glass “cube” design was practical (hard to tip over) and the silver lid added a touch of elegance to the writing desk. The deep, conical well inside the glass was designed to keep the ink concentrated at the bottom for easy dipping.