Elkington & Co. Sterling Silver Double Inkstand

This is a sterling silver double inkstand made by the firm Elkington & Co.

• The Tray: The base is a rectangular tray featuring a “Chippendale” style border (a shaped, scalloped rim often found on silver salvers of this period). It rests on four cast scroll feet (or volute feet).
  • Pen Well: The front of the tray features a long, recessed depression (pen well) running the width of the stand, designed to hold dip pens.
• The Inkwells: The stand holds two removable square glass inkwells.
  • Glass: The bodies are made of thick, clear glass (lead crystal) with star-cut bases.
  • Mounts: Each bottle is fitted with a sterling silver collar and a hinged, flat-topped lid. The lids have a “shaped” corner design that echoes the Chippendale border of the tray.

Hallmarks

The hallmarks are crisp and matched across the different parts of the set (tray, bottle collars, and inside the lids), indicating all pieces are original to each other.

• Maker’s Mark (E&Co): Elkington & Co. One of the most famous names in British silver. While they invented electroplating, their sterling silver output (like this piece) was of the highest tier. By 1911, they held a Royal Warrant.
• Anchor: The symbol for the Birmingham Assay Office.
• Lion Passant: Certifies the metal is Sterling Silver (.925).
• Date Letter ‘m’: Confirms the year of manufacture as 1911.