Inkipedia
Brass Inkstand with Griffins
| Categories | Figural - Mythology; Literature; Religion; Fictional |
| Type | Griffin |
| Material | Brass |
| Markings | See Narrative |
| Manufacturer | Wm Tonks & Sons |
| Origin | England |
| Date or Era | circa 1840 |
| Measuring | 12 ¾” x 6 ⅛” x 6 ¼” high |
This brass inkstand features a central ribbed, square glass inkwell with a removable brass lid. On either side are two brass griffins. The base of the inkstand and griffins is marked: “W, T&S/ Rd 272517/T. 1840”.
William Tonks and Sons, Moseley Street, Birmingham, founded 1794, made this inkstand. The Tonks family surname is listed in the Birmingham brass foundries before the 1800s. William Tonks founded this firm in 1794. They won gold medals at the 1851 and 1862 Exhibitions in London and in 1855 at Paris Their larger factory on Moseley Street was opened in the early 1860’s and most items now found will date from after this time.
Sold for $295 in May 2024
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