English Art Deco Silver Inkstand

1. Hallmarks

• Maker: “D & F” is Deakin & Francis.
  • Context: Founded in 1786, Deakin & Francis is one of Birmingham’s oldest and most respected silversmiths. They are still in business today (famous now for high-end cufflinks), representing over 200 years of family craftsmanship.
• Assay Office: The Anchor confirms Birmingham.
• Standard: The Lion Passant confirms .925 Sterling Silver.
• Date: The letter “E” in a cut-corner rectangular shield is the Birmingham date letter specifically for 1929.

2. Art Deco

This piece was made at the absolute height of the Art Deco movement (the late 1920s), and its design reflects the “Streamline” aesthetic perfectly.

• Geometric Form: Unlike the Victorian inkwells (which were covered in floral repoussé or scrollwork), this piece relies entirely on geometry. The shape is a truncated pyramid or capstan with clean, sweeping lines.
• Streamlining: The sides are concave and “swept” outwards at the base, giving the piece a sense of speed or aerodynamic flow—a hallmark of the Streamline Moderne influence within Art Deco.
• Unadorned Surface: The beauty of the piece comes solely from the reflective quality of the polished silver planes, rather than applied decoration. This minimalist “machine age” look was revolutionary at the time.

3. Detailed Description

• The Body: The heavy gauge silver body features a large, integrated pen trough (groove) across the front. The wide base provides stability, while the four swept bracket feet at the corners lift it slightly off the desk, adding elegance to the heavy form.
• The Lid: It features a large, flat, square hinged lid that fits flush with the top of the pyramid.
• The Interior: It retains its original clear glass liner.