Double Inkstand with Cornstalk Pen Holders

Description & Design Elements

• The Base & Frame: The rectangular stand is made from cast iron with an aged brass finish. The sloped perimeter features an ornate, running geometric border accented by a stippled (textured) background.
• The Unified Glass Block: The heavy clear glass is molded as a single, solid piece containing two distinct cylindrical wells. This unified design was practical—it prevented individual inkwells from rattling, sliding, or getting lost, while the notched, faceted corners added a brilliant aesthetic.
• The Lift-Off Lids: The unattached lids feature an elaborate, swirling scrollwork design centering around a prominent multi-pointed star or rosette emblem, matching the under-glass motifs.

The Unusual Underside Embossing

Looking at the underside of the glass block, each well features a crisp, molded 8-pointed starburst (or rosette) enclosed within a concentric beaded ring. The starburst on the bottom mirrors the star design on the top of the brass lids.

Finding the Maker and Date: The Clues

While many Victorian inkstands feature twigs, grapevines, or scrollwork, the use of figural cornstalks as pen holders is unusual and points to a specific era.

• The Era (Circa 1880–1900): The combination of cast iron with a brass wash, heavy molded glass, and unattached drop-on lids is classic late 19^th century desktop design.
• The Cornstalk Motif: Corn is a quintessential American agricultural symbol. During the late 19th century—particularly surrounding major events like the 1876 Philadelphia Centennial International Exhibition and regional harvest festivals—American foundries heavily embraced patriotic and naturalistic themes.
• Potential Manufacturers: Foundries known for high-quality decorative cast-iron desk assets with thematic pen rests included Bradley & Hubbard Manufacturing Co. (Meriden, CT) and Judd Manufacturing Co. However, regional Midwestern foundries (across Ohio, Pennsylvania, and Illinois) frequently produced specialized agricultural-themed castings for local markets. The cornstalks feature realistic texturing on the husks and leaves all requiring a high-quality master mold.

Summary

Because the glass block is an exact factory match to the cast-iron frame size, this was sold as a complete, premium set. While it does not bear a prominent maker’s mark or patent date on the underside, its stylistic footprint places it firmly in the American historic market between 1880 and 1900.