Brass Standish

This is a handsome brass standish or inkstand, dating from the late 18th to early 19th century. Its design combines multiple functional writing tools into one cohesive desk accessory.

Description of the Standish

The standish is made of brass and features a rectangular tray with a scalloped edge, resting on four decorative feet. Fixed to this tray are the following components:

• Candle Holders: On the far left and right are two candle holders.
• Inkwell and Sander: On either side of the central bell are two lidded canisters. One is an inkwell. The other is a sander, which was used to sprinkle sand or pounce over wet ink to absorb excess moisture and speed up drying.
• Central Bell: The central element is a cylindrical housing that holds a bell. The bell’s handle is the finial on the top of the lid, allowing the bell to be rung from its position on the tray.

Information about Standishes

A standish, also known as a desk set or inkstand, was an essential desktop accessory for anyone who wrote frequently before the invention of the fountain pen. Standishes were often highly decorative and could be made from a variety of materials, from simple pewter to ornate silver and porcelain.

The term “standish” is derived from the words “stand” and “dish,” referring to a collection of writing instruments arranged on a tray. A complete standish would contain several key items:

• Inkwell: For storing ink.
• Sander (or Pounce Pot): A perforated container for pounce or sand.
• Candle Holders: For light and for melting sealing wax.
• Bells, Pen Rests, and Boxes: Many standishes included other useful items, such as a bell to summon help, a place to rest a quill or pen, and small boxes for storing nibs or sealing wax.