Buyer Be Aware – Lion Wearing a Top Hat

(4 versions pictured)

When I first spotted this lion inkwell on eBay in 2008, I was impressed. I researched the piece but couldn’t find it in the reference books. One would think such an unusual inkwell, purportedly dating to the Victorian period, would have shown up somewhere. Subsequently, more of these pieces became available. They were always priced high (beyond what I could consider buying). They sold, some fetching over $1000.

My impression is that these are of modern production. Interestingly, I noticed improvements and additions to Mr. Lion in a Top Hat in the years following – this included a change in the hinge, adding glass eyes, attaching it to a marble plinth, adding a monocle. The early ones had no insert. Subsequent sales listings show an insert, but it doesn’t seem to fit properly.

High-end antique dealers sell this piece. Recently one sold for over $2500. They’re the experts, but I still question that these are antique. I’m back to my initial question – why are there no references prior to the year 2000 for such an unusual inkwell?

My advice: use caution! Do not buy without examining it in person. For these prices, dealers should be able to give a complete provenance.