Champlevé Inkstand by E.G. Webster

This is an elaborate champlevé enamel and glass inkstand, integrating a variety of useful desk accessories. The inkstand rests on an elongated rectangular base made of brass decorated with champlevé enamel. The enamelwork features an intricate pattern of floral motifs in a rich color palette including blues, greens, reds, whites, and blacks, all outlined by raised metal cloisons. The base is supported by four ornate brass legs.

The inkstand incorporates several key components:

• Glass Inkwell with Hinged Lid: Located on the right side is a clear glass inkwell with a faceted design. The bottom of the glass inkwell has a protrusion or knob that fits securely into a corresponding round receptacle on the metal base. The lid of the inkwell is decorated with champlevé enamel, mirroring the patterns on the base.
• Pen Wipe: On the left side is a cylindrical container also decorated with champlevé enamel in a style consistent with the base. This container holds a black brush, which serves as a pen wipe for cleaning ink from pen nibs.
• Perpetual Calendar/Date Holder: In the center, towards the back, is a small, easel-backed holder also adorned with champlevé enamel. It was designed to hold interchangeable cards indicating the date, acting as a sort of perpetual calendar.
• Hinged Stamp Storage: In front of the date holder is a small, square hinged compartment, also decorated with champlevé enamel. This would have been used for the convenient storage of postage stamps.
• Pen Holder: In the front is an ornate brass pen holder.

Maker’s Mark:

On the bottom of the inkstand is a maker’s mark: a web with a “W” in the middle, which is the mark for E.G. Webster (New York). It is numbered 44.

Information about E.G. Webster:

E.G. Webster & Brother (later E.G. Webster & Son):

• Founding and Location: Edward G. Webster founded his silver manufacturing company, E.G. Webster & Brother, in Brooklyn, New York, in 1855. Later, his son joined the business, and it became known as E.G. Webster & Son.
• Products: The company was known for producing a wide range of silver-plated and sterling silver items, including tableware, tea sets, vanity items, and desk accessories, such as inkstands.
• Style and Quality: E.G. Webster pieces were generally well-made and often featured fashionable designs of the late 19th and early 20th centuries, encompassing Victorian, Art Nouveau, and later styles. They often incorporated decorative techniques like engraving, chasing, and applied ornamentation.
• Champlevé Enamel: While primarily known for their metalwork, E.G. Webster also produced items incorporating champlevé enamel, as seen in this inkstand. This suggests they either had in-house enamellers or contracted with skilled artisans to add this decorative element to their metal bases and components. The use of champlevé enamel added a luxurious and colorful dimension to their pieces, aligning with the aesthetic trends of the late 19th century.
• Inkwells: E.G. Webster produced a variety of inkwells in different styles and materials, often combining silverplate with glass ink reservoirs. These ranged from simple single inkwells to more elaborate desk sets with multiple compartments for pens, wafers, and other writing necessities.