Brass and Glass Inkstand – William Tonks & Sons

This brass and glass inkstand was made by the renowned Birmingham foundry William Tonks & Sons.

Design and Construction

• The Base: The inkstand features a heavy, sand-cast brass base with an elegant, tiered profile. It includes a deep, integrated pen channel designed to hold several writing instruments.
• Decorative Border: A continuous beaded border runs along the perimeter of the base.
• Support: The entire piece is elevated by three round, turned brass feet.
• The Inkwell: A single, square glass inkwell sits within a dedicated recessed tray at the rear of the base. The glass features a swirled or “twisted” ribbed pattern.
• Hinged Lid: The inkwell is topped with a matching brass collar and a hinged dome lid, finished with a decorative finial.

Maker’s Mark: William Tonks & Sons

The underside of the base reveals the distinctive maker’s mark of one of England’s most prestigious brass foundries:

• The Letters: The initials W.T.&S. stand for William Tonks & Sons.
• The Symbol: Above the letters is the company’s trademark “Sun” or “Star” mark, featuring eight rays. This specific logo was officially adopted by the firm in 1869.
• Manufacturing Detail: The “pebbled” or textured finish on the underside is a hallmark of the sand-casting process, where molten brass was poured into compressed sand molds.

Company History

Established in 1789 in Birmingham, William Tonks & Sons became a global leader in “Art Metalware.” While they produced a wide range of architectural brass—such as door handles and hinges—they were particularly celebrated for their high-quality desk accessories.

The firm was a frequent award winner at international competitions, most notably receiving gold medals at the Great Exhibition of 1851. Given the style and the presence of the sun trademark, this specific inkstand likely dates from the late 19th to early 20th century (the Victorian or Edwardian era).