Derby Silver Co. Figural Greyhound Inkstand (Pat. 1887)

1. Overview

• Dog Breed: The figural canine is an Italian Greyhound (or Whippet / Sight Hound).
  • Anatomical Markers: It displays the classic slender, deep-chested build, arched back, fine boning, tuck-up waist, folded rose-shaped ears, and long tapered muzzle characteristic of sighthounds.
  • Decorative Accents: Around the dog’s shoulders/neck is a sculpted sash tied with decorative tassels—a distinctive Victorian ornamental motif often found on Grand Tour and decorative bronze/silverplate animalier castings of greyhounds.

2. Description

• Form & Structure:
  • A footed, circular silver-plated desk tray / inkstand featuring a scalloped, crimped rim with undulating folds.
  • The surface is decorated with repoussé / chased foliate and organic scroll textures contrasting against stippled/textured reserves.
  • Raised on four graduated, turned button/cushion feet affixed with threaded posts and hex nuts to the underside.
• Fittings & Reservoir:
  • Well Retainers: A set of raised silver-plated ball beads/studs fixed to the tray plate act as a fitted cradle to hold the square inkwell securely in place.
  • Ink Reservoir: A square clear-cut crystal/glass inkwell fitted with a brass collar and a hinged, faceted glass dome lid.
  • Markings (Underside):

DERBY SILVER CO.

PATENTED SEPT 6th 1887

1714

• • The number 1714 is Derby’s specific factory catalog / shape production number for this inkstand model.

3. The Patent: U.S. Design Patent No. 17,677

• Patent Number: U.S. Design Patent No. 17,677
• Issue Date: September 6, 1887
• Summary of Contents:
  • The September 6, 1887 patent held by Derby Silver Co. covers the ornamental design of the decorative plate / tray and surface ornamentation.
  • In late 19th-century American silverplate manufacturing, makers frequently patented specific decorative border designs, crimped rim configurations, or textured surface treatments. Derby Silver Co. utilized this patented base across several novelty desk items and humidors (which is why other Derby figural desk pieces—such as bulldogs, horse-and-jockey humidors, and greyhounds—often carry this identical patent date).

4. Derby Silver Company History & Connection

• Founding & Location:
  • Established in 1872 in Derby/Shelton, Connecticut, along the Housatonic River. Operations began on Canal Street and quickly expanded into a substantial multi-story factory on Bridge Street in Shelton.
• Production & Lines:
  • Derby Silver Co. became renowned for its high-quality electroplated hollowware, vanity/toilet sets, table novelties, and figural Victorian desk accessories. They operated major showrooms in New York, Chicago, and San Francisco.
• Connection to the Patent:
  • Designers and pattern makers working directly for or under contract with the Derby Silver Company regularly assigned their design patents straight to the company upon granting. Derby stamped the patent issue date directly into the steel striking dies used for production bases.
• Later History:
  • In 1898, Derby Silver Company merged with several other Connecticut silver manufacturers to form the International Silver Company, after which the Shelton factory became designated as “Factory B.”
  • Because this piece bears the standalone Derby Silver Co. stamping without the International Silver Co. insignia, it dates firmly to the Victorian production window between 1887 and 1898.