E.G. Zimmermann Double Inkstand

Detailed Description

• Overall Form: An ornate double inkstand.
• Material: The base and decorative elements are made of spelter (a zinc alloy).
• Inkwell Components:
  • Double Inkwells: The stand holds two glass inkwells, which are stemmed  so that the lower portion fits securely into the circular openings on the base.
  • Lids: The inkwells have plain lift-off metal lids (not hinged).
• Decorative Elements:
  • Pen Holder: The central decorative element is a tall, elaborate structure designed to hold multiple pens. It features a twisted, branched, or leaf-like design, giving it the appearance of a stylized tree or plant, which functions as the pen holder by providing numerous vertical slots or supports.

Maker and Mark: E.G. Zimmermann

• Marking: The mark “Verlag Bei E.G. Zimmermann in Hanau 12121” is the identifier.
  • “Verlag Bei”: This translates roughly to “Distributed by.”
  • “E.G. Zimmermann”: This refers to the company Ernst Gideon Zimmermann (E.G. Zimmermann).
  • “in Hanau”: Hanau, Germany, was the location of the firm.
  • “12121”: This is the pattern or model number.
• Background: E.G. Zimmermann was a highly prolific German firm based in Hanau, known for manufacturing high-quality bronze and spelter decorative items, figural sculptures, and functional objects (like lamps, clocks, and inkwells) from the late 19th through the early 20th centuries. They were known for producing a wide variety of ornate desktop items, many of which had a distinctly European, formal appearance.

Age and Origin Assessment

The ornate, heavily cast metal design and the use of the E.G. Zimmermann mark firmly place this inkstand in the late Victorian or Edwardian period.

• Origin: Hanau, Germany.
• Style: Late 19th Century Historicism (Neo-Baroque/Neo-Rococo).
• Age Estimate: circa 1880 – 1910