Double Inkstand – Stag in Relief

This is a classic example of early 20th-century metalwork by the Kronheim & Oldenbusch Co. (K&O), an American manufacturer based in Brooklyn, New York.

Description

This double inkstand is designed in an Art Nouveau style, emphasizing naturalistic motifs.

• Central Motif: The heart-shaped central tray features a crisp, embossed relief of a stag (or elk) standing in a wilderness setting, complete with pine trees, water, and distant mountains.
• Decorative Details: The base is heavily ornamented with acorns and oak leaves, which extend onto the two hinged inkwell lids. The top edge features an arched, handle-like element shaped like stylized antlers.
• Structure: It is a double inkstand, meaning it contains two separate wells. When the hinged lids are opened, they reveal the original clear glass inserts.
• Material: It is made of spelter (also known as pot metal or white metal), which was then given a “bronzed” or “brass” electroplated finish to give it the appearance of more expensive solid bronze.

Maker & Identification

• The “K&O” Mark: This stands for Kronheim & Oldenbusch Co. They were a prolific manufacturer of “metal novelties” (bookends, desk sets, and ash trays) active from roughly 1895 to the late 1930s.
• The “SB” in Oval: This mark is frequently found on K&O pieces. While some collectors speculate it stands for a specific designer or “Spelter Bronze,” it is universally recognized in the antiques trade as a secondary mark used by Kronheim & Oldenbusch for their cast metal lines.
• The Numbers: The number “89” (or similar) seen in the oval is likely a mold or catalog number. In the K&O system, these numbers helped the factory track specific designs for reordering or inventory.

Age

Based on the style and the company’s peak production period, this inkstand dates to approximately 1910–1925.