Brass Double Inkstand with Letter Holder

This is an ornate Baroque Revival brass double inkstand, likely dating to the late 19th or very early 20th century (c. 1880–1910). It features a decorative, pierced letter holder and dual square inkwells, all cast with traditional classical motifs.

Description

• Letter Holder: The centerpiece is a tall, elaborate backplate with scrolling rocaille (shell-like) and acanthus leaf openwork. At its center is a classical urn or vase overflowing with flowers, a common Victorian-era motif.
• Inkwells: There are two identical, square-based inkwells with hinged lids. The lids are embossed with a floral/leaf design and open to reveal white ceramic inserts.
• Base & Pen Tray: The base is rectangular with a wide, recessed pen tray at the front. The tray is decorated with a repeating pattern of scrolls and a central flowering urn. The edges are finished with a leafy border and a central bow and wreath motif.
• Feet: The piece rests on four scrolled bracket feet, providing a sturdy, raised profile typical of desk sets from this period.

Marks & Identification

The underside of the base contains hand-incised marks:

• Top Line: A clear “DL” or potentially “DE”.
• Middle Line: The numbers “728” or possibly “128”.
• Bottom Line: A name that appears to be “Depose”.

Note on “Depose”: This is a critical identifying mark. “Déposé” (often seen as Modèle Déposé) is French for “Registered Design”.

This confirms the inkstand is of French origin. In France, during the 19th century, manufacturers were required to mark their registered designs to protect their intellectual property.

Origin & Dating

• Where it was made: France. The “Déposé” mark and the highly stylized Rococo/Baroque revival aesthetic are quintessential French brass-work of the period.
• When it was made: Approximately 1885–1905. The hand-incised numbers (728) likely refer to a specific factory model or catalog number. The use of screws on the underside to attach the components is consistent with late 19th-century manufacturing.