Derby Silver Co. Inkstand

Physical Description

• Type: Double Inkstand (or Encrier) with Pen Holder.
• Material: Quadruple Plate silver on a base metal (likely nickel silver or white metal).
• Form: The inkstand is a substantial piece featuring a molded, rectangular base with a slightly raised or shaped back that forms the central pen holder.

Detailed Description of the Inkwells and Lids

Glass Inkwells: The two functional inkwells are square-shaped.

• Form and Fit: They are designed to fit snugly into the square recesses of the silver-plated base.
• Decoration: The glass is transparent and features a cut or faceted pattern.

Silver-Plated Lids

• Material and Construction: The lids are domed covers crafted from the Quadruple Plate silver, matching the base. They are attached to the base via a hinge mechanism located at the back edge of the inkwell opening.
• Casting/Molding: The lids feature intricate casting, demonstrating a highly decorative, ornate style:
• Border: The rim of the dome, which rests over the glass inkwell, is encircled by a cast border of scrolling or repeating ornamental motifs, such as acanthus leaves or small flowers.
• Decorative Hinge Plate: The hinge mechanism connects to a decorative back-plate that is molded into the silver stand itself.

• Pen Holder: The back piece features a curved rack to hold a pen. The channel in front was also made to rest pens.
  • Molding: The silver-plated base is cast or stamped with intricate molded designs, including scrolled feet, patterned borders, and a decorative apron around the base. The decoration features repeating patterns, incorporating floral, foliate elements.

• Markings:
  • Manufacturer: Derby Silver Co.
  • Plating Quality: Quadruple Plate (a high standard of electroplating).
  • Model Number: 01733.

Information on the Derby Silver Co.

The Derby Silver Company was a significant American manufacturer of silver-plated ware during the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

Company History

• Founding: The company was founded in 1872 (or 1873) in Derby, Connecticut, later operating its factory out of nearby Shelton, CT.
• Products: They produced a wide range of silver-plated goods, or hollowware, including tableware, tea sets, flatware, toiletware (dresser items), mirrors, clocks, and desk accessories like this inkstand.
• Aesthetic Style: Derby Silver Co. was well-known for producing ornate, Victorian-style and Aesthetic Movement pieces, often featuring figural (human or animal) elements, highly detailed engraving, and cast embellishments.
• International Silver Co.: In 1898, the Derby Silver Company became one of the original major firms to merge and form the International Silver Company (ISC), the largest silver-producing consortium in the United States.
• Closure: The company continued to operate as a division (Factory B) of ISC, using the Derby Silver Co. mark, until the plant was closed in 1933 during the Great Depression.

The “Quadruple Plate” Mark

• Meaning: The term “Quadruple Plate” found on the underside of this inkstand is a quality indicator for electroplated silver.
• Quality: It signifies that the item received four coatings of pure silver during the electroplating process. This was considered a high standard, meaning a thicker layer of silver was deposited on the base metal (typically a white metal alloy or nickel silver), which ensured greater durability and longevity than single or double-plated items.
• Dating: Marks using the full “Derby Silver Co. Quadruple Plate” name are characteristic of the company’s independent operation before or shortly after the 1898 merger with International Silver Co., often placing the item in the 1870s–1910s time frame.