Art Deco Marbled Celluloid & Wood Double Inkwell

Description

This is an Art Deco-era souvenir/tourist double inkstand made from warm-toned wood (mahogany or walnut) accented with marbled, pearlescent grey/black celluloid (French ivory/Galalith-style early plastic) and embossed dark metal appliqués.

Key Features & Design Elements

• Central Feature: A raised wood letter/stationery rack faced in marbled grey celluloid, accented at the front with an embossed metal rose motif.
• Double Inkwells: Two angular, boat/wedge-shaped wooden wells layered with striped cream-and-celluloid borders. Each inkwell features a swivel-top circular lid topped with a matching embossed metal rose finial and a cream-colored stud knob. Inside rest original white ceramic inserts.
• Base Details:
  • Features a contoured, scalloped front trimmed entirely in a thick band of grey marbled celluloid.
  • A recessed, celluloid-lined pen holder with a cream-colored insert strip.
  • Decorative embossed metal floral (rose) borders lining both lower corners.
• Central Emblem: An embossed metal shield depicting a Portuguese caravel (ship) sailing on water, carrying the inscription “S. MIGUEL” at the bottom.

Origin, Maker, and Date

• Where was it made? São Miguel Island, Azores (Portugal). The central emblem explicitly identifies S. Miguel, referring to the largest island in the Portuguese archipelago of the Azores.
• When was it made? Circa 1930s–1940s (Art Deco period). The combination of geometric layered shapes, early swirled celluloid (plastics popular in mid-century souvenir ware), and flathead screw construction on the wooden base points to this era.
• Who made it? Regional artisan or Portuguese novelty/souvenir manufacturer specializing in Azorean tourist goods and desk accessories. These pieces were typically handcrafted in small workshops or artisan guilds in Ponta Delgada for export or regional souvenirs.