Cut Glass & Sterling Silver Lid – Cherub in Relief

Cut Glass & Sterling Silver Lid – Cherub in Relief

• Period: Circa 1900–1915
• Description: Heavy square molded crystal inkwell featuring an expansive bottom starburst cut and vertical panel facets. Fitted with a hinged domed sterling silver top decorated with a high-relief repoussé cherub amidst scrollwork and foliate motifs. The interior lid retains a rich gold-washed (vermeil) finish. Stamped with quality marks and pattern number 3458.

Deciphering the Marks and Features

• The Inscription: The word FINE alongside a hallmark stamp and the serial/pattern style number 3458.
• The Lid: The top features a finely detailed repoussé design of a playful cherub (putto) surrounded by flowing rococo scrolls and floral motifs, with a matching interior gilt wash (vermeil).
• The Collar & Mount: The hinged sterling silver collar fits securely onto a heavy, brilliant-cut square crystal base.
• The Glass Base: The bottom features a large, deeply cut 24-point radiant starburst (or hobstar) pattern, with vertical fluting and prismatic hobnail cutting along the sides.

Origin and Manufacturing Era

• Where it was made: United States. The heavy molded and brilliant-cut American Brilliant Period (ABP) style crystal base combined with domestic sterling silver top manufacturing practices strongly indicates an American origin (similar to works by contemporaries like Gorham, Unger Bros, or standard New York/Newark silversmiths who produced decorative desk wares).
• When it was made: Circa 1895–1910 (the height of the Art Nouveau period, characterized by high-relief repoussé cherubs/putti, flowing scrolls, and complex rococo revival motifs).