Double Inkstand with Warrior’s Helmet

Description

This is an elaborate double inkstand made of white metal with nickel-plate finish, combined with clear glass inkwells.

• Backplate: Features an ornate, Renaissance Revival/chivalric crest displaying a classic Greek/Roman warrior’s helmet set against crossed battle-axes (halberds) and foliate scrolls.
• Inkwells: Two square, pyramidal faceted clear glass inkwells with rayed starburst bases. Each is fitted with a hinged, faceted glass dome lid mounted on a collar ring.
• Central Element: Centered between the inkwells is a pierced brass filigree embellishment, attached from below with a threaded post and large washer.
• Base & Pen Tray: A broad, scalloped pen tray across the front cast with dense rococo and baroque-style scrollwork, foliate motifs, and a central reserve. The underside shows openwork scroll feet and square pierced grilles beneath each well seat.

Maker Mark Identification

The stamped trademark on the underside – an “M” centered within a multi-pointed radiating starburst – belongs to the Meriden Silver Plate Company (or its related umbrella division under the Meriden Britannia / International Silver group).

• The “M in an 8-to-12-pointed faceted star” followed directly by a 4-digit production/catalog mold number (5771) is a documented catalog mark of the Meriden, Connecticut hollowware lines.

About Meriden Silver Plate Co.

• Founding & Location: Organized in 1869 in Meriden, Connecticut (long dubbed the “Silver City” of the world due to the density of major metalware manufacturers).
• Product Lines: The firm specialized extensively in electroplated hollowware, cast white-metal desk accessories, presentation pieces, castor sets, and elaborate table service items.
• Merger: In 1898, Meriden Silver Plate Co. joined numerous other regional manufacturers to form the massive conglomerate International Silver Company, after which many individual factory marks were gradually phased out or altered to include ISC branding.

Estimated Manufacturing Date

This inkstand was manufactured between circa 1880 and 1895.

• The high-relief combination of neoclassical/chivalric elements (the knight’s helmet and poleaxes) mixed with florid late-Victorian scrollwork reached its peak popularity during the 1880s aesthetic movement.
• The independent factory star stamp without later International Silver patent markings dates it directly to Meriden’s prime production period prior to the 1898 consolidation.