Cat Spies a Mouse

Description: This Victorian novelty inkwell depicts a playful narrative scene of animal suspense:

• The Stalking Cat: A sculpted tabby cat crouches low in a stalking posture alongside a wooden crate, peering intently around the corner with wide, inset glass/enameled eyes.
• The Mouse & Lid: A small mouse sits near the front corner of the hinged lid, positioned unaware of the feline below. The mouse cleverly doubles as the lid’s lifting finial/handle.
• The Crate & Well: The square body and lid are molded to simulate a rustic wooden packing crate with textured wood grain, corner nails, and battens. Lifting the hinged lid reveals a removable white glazed porcelain/ceramic ink reservoir insert.

Material & Construction

• Base Metal: Cast spelter (zinc alloy / pot metal / white metal).
• Finish: Cold-painted polychrome enamel finish, with yellowish-tan and brown hues simulating wood planks, and mottled gray/black texturing to define the cat’s fur and the mouse.

Origin, Maker, & Date

• When: Circa 1885–1910 during the height of the novelty animal desk-accessory craze.
• Where: Most likely Germany or Austria.
• Who Made It: Unmarked. These spelter novelty inkwells were widely cast by German and Austrian foundries to offer an affordable, mass-market alternative to expensive cold-painted Vienna bronzes (such as those by Franz Bergman).