“Art Metal” Double Inkstand

This is a nice example of a late Victorian or Edwardian “Art Metal” double inkstand, likely manufactured in Birmingham, England, between 1890 and 1910. It reflects the transition between the Aesthetic Movement and the early Arts and Crafts period, where mixed-metal designs became highly fashionable.

Description

Materials and Aesthetic

The inkstand is a masterfully constructed mixed-metal piece, utilizing the contrast between polished brass and reddish copper.

• The Pots and Lids: Two bulbous brass ink pots serve as the central feature. They are heavily ornamented with high-relief, applied copper overlays in a foliate and floral theme. Each pot is adorned with multiple four-petaled copper flowers and trailing copper leaves. The hinged brass lids carry this theme further with a large, four-lobed copper leaf finial topped by a brass ball handle.
• The Gallery Tray: The pots sit upon a rectangular brass tray defined by an ornate pierced gallery railing. The railing features a repeating scroll and foliate pattern.

Distinctive Design Features

• Stamped Base Pattern: The most unique identifying feature is the repeating stamped star or crosshatch pattern covering the entire flat surface of the tray base. This textured sheet metal was a specialty of high-end Birmingham foundries and served to hide ink stains and scratches while adding visual depth.
• Finials and Feet: The tray is anchored at each corner by posts topped with “ball-and-cup” (or ball-and-saucer) finials, a classic 19th-century architectural detail. The entire stand is raised on four hexagonal faceted brass feet.
• Internal Components: The lids open to reveal removable glass liners, one original, one a replacement.

Origin and Manufacturer

This inkstand was likely made in Birmingham, England, the historical “Toy Shop of Europe” and the world center for decorative brassware.

Based on the specific combination of mixed metals, the high-relief copper floral appliqués, and the distinctive stamped base pattern, the most likely manufacturer is Townshend & Co. (later Townshends Ltd.).

• Townshend & Co. was renowned for their “Art Metal” products and often used textured sheet metal and mixed brass and copper to create high-end desk accessories.
• The construction style—visible on the underside – showing the pots secured by large circular recesses and threaded nuts, is a hallmark of the Birmingham modular manufacturing process of that era.

Estimated Age

The design, materials, and construction techniques date this piece to approximately 1890–1905. It represents the peak of the “Art Metal” trend before the more minimalist styles of the 20th century took hold.