Elephant Themed Double Inkstand with Swivel Lids

Manufacturer & Date Attribution

Maker: H.L. Judd Company (or Judd Manufacturing Co.), Wallingford, Connecticut / New York.

• Catalog/Design Number: 4583 (embossed on the underside).
• Date of Manufacture: Circa 1920s–1930s.

Material & Finish

• Base Construction: Cast brass / bronze alloy base. The underside reveals the raw cast brass hue where there is no paint.
• Surface Finish: The original finish consists of a whitewash or “French white” cold-painted / polychrome lacquer enamel over the brass base, designed to simulate ivory or aged limestone. Over decades of use and handling, high-contact areas have worn down to reveal the underlying polished brass tone.
• Elephant Figural Handle: The central full-figured elephant handle mounted to the middle compartment lid is cast in spelter (zinc alloy) with painted detailing, including highlighted cream/ivory-painted tusks.

Key Features

1. Swivel Lids & Wells: The square twin inkwell covers pivot outward on corner stems inserted into the frame structure, revealing fitted recesses holding the original white milk-glass inserts.
2. Central Storage Caddy: The stepped center portion features a removable rectangular lid topped by the fully dimensional elephant handle, opening to a shallow stamp/nib compartment.
3. Pen Tray Motif: The front trough is cast in high relief depicting a playful young elephant in a crouching pose among lush palm fronds and jungle foliage.
4. Side Extension: On the right-hand edge, a mature elephant’s head extends beyond the rectangular boundary, with its curved trunk creating an integrated side handle.