Cold-Painted Spelter “Bobby” Policeman Inkwell

General Appearance and Construction:

This inkwell is a figural piece crafted from cast metal, depicting a uniformed policeman, intended to be an English “Bobby.” This type of novelty item was popular in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

• Material: The body is made of spelter (a zinc alloy), a common material for decorative, mass-produced metal figures due to its low cost and ease of casting.
• Finish: The metal is finished with cold paint (paint applied to the metal without firing). The coloring depicts a traditional British police uniform:
  • Uniform: A dark blue uniform coat and trousers, with a matching tall, helmet-style hat (a variation of the custodian helmet).
  • Details: The buttons, belt buckle, and hat badges are highlighted in gold or brass color. The face, hands, and the base he stands on are painted to resemble natural flesh tones and pavement.
• Pose and Accessories: The policeman is cast in a standing posture. He appears to be holding an item in his right hand – a white object consistent with a pair of white gloves, often worn by police officers for formal duties or traffic control. He also has a visible duty belt.
• Functionality: The inkwell is hidden. The figure is hinged at the waist, allowing the upper half (torso and head) to pivot backward and open. This reveals the removable ceramic ink pot.

Derivation of the Term “Bobby”

The term “Bobby” for a British police officer, particularly a London Metropolitan Police officer, is an affectionate nickname derived directly from the name of the force’s founder.

The term’s derivation is:

1. Founder: The Metropolitan Police Force (often called the Met or Scotland Yard) was founded in 1829 by then-Home Secretary Sir Robert Peel.
2. Nickname: “Bobby” is a familiar or diminutive form of the given name “Robert.”
3. Alternative: The early officers were also often called “Peelers,” another nickname derived from Sir Robert Peel’s surname.

Both “Bobbies” and “Peelers” entered common usage almost immediately after the force was established. “Bobby” remains the more commonly used nickname today.