Crystal Glass Inkwell – Marked “Indianapolis November 1905”

Identification of the Piece

Based on the markings and the design of the lid, here are the details:

• Silversmith/Company: The silversmith is John Grinsell & Sons, a renowned manufacturing firm based in Birmingham, England.
• Identification of the Mark: The “winged figure” to the left of the “STERLING” stamp is the company’s registered trademark: a Cupid standing on a scroll.
  • The Mark Context: While Grinsell & Sons was a British company, they produced a significant amount of silver-mounted glass for the international and American markets. The use of “STERLING” (rather than a full set of British hallmarks) was common for items destined for export or specifically commissioned for American souvenir purposes.
• The Event: The inscription “INDIANAPOLIS NOVEMBER 1905” and the corn cob motifs on the lid indicate this was a commemorative souvenir for the Grain Dealers National Association (now the National Grain and Feed Association). The association held its 9th Annual Convention in Indianapolis in 1905. Given Indiana’s status as a major corn producer, the corn-and-floral repoussé design was a thematic choice for the delegates of that convention.

Physical Description

• Body: The inkwell features a heavy, faceted crystal glass base.
• Lid: The sterling silver lid is hinged and decorated in the Art Nouveau style. It features a central bundle of corn cobs surrounded by various floral sprays.

The History of John Grinsell & Sons

Based in Birmingham, England, John Grinsell & Sons was one of the premier “manufacturing silversmiths” of the Victorian and Edwardian eras. They were particularly celebrated for their silver-mounted glass and stoneware, often collaborating with high-end glass makers to produce the heavy crystal bases.

The firm was known for its “national visibility,” maintaining high-end showrooms in London (Holborn Circus) and Glasgow. Their specialty in “lockable” silverware (like tantalus sets) and desk accessories made them a go-to choice for high-quality corporate commissions.

The 1905 Grain Dealers National Convention

The inscription on the lid commemorates the 9th Annual Convention of the Grain Dealers National Association (now known as the National Grain and Feed Association), held in Indianapolis from November 8–10, 1905.

• The “Corn” Theme: The corn cobs embossed on the silver lid were a deliberate tribute to Indiana’s agricultural identity. In 1905, Indianapolis was a booming hub for grain trade and flour milling.
• The Significance of the Souvenir: These inkwells were not mass-market items; they were likely commissioned as high-end gifts for executive delegates or officers attending the convention.
• A “Global” Commission: It is notable that an American trade association reached across the Atlantic to a prestigious Birmingham silversmith for these souvenirs. This reflects the high status of the grain industry at the time and the global reputation of Birmingham silver.

Fun Fact: The association was only about a decade old in 1905. It was a period of intense reform in the industry, focusing on “honest weights” and standardized grading for grain – the very corn depicted on the lid!