Figural Cockatoo Inkwell

This is a nice example of a Victorian figural inkwell cast in the form of a cockatoo, produced by the renowned Birmingham metalworkers Messenger & Sons.

Visual Description

The piece is crafted from bronze with a high-quality cast surface that details the bird’s feathers and crest.

• Subject: A cockatoo with a prominent crest, perched on a scrolling branch.
• Function: The branch base is designed to double as a pen rest. The bird’s head is hinged at the neck; lifting it reveals the ink reservoir (the original glass or porcelain liner is missing).
• Details: The bird features vibrant blue glass eyes, a signature detail of Messenger & Sons’ animal figures from this period. The head is turned slightly to the left, giving the figure a lively, inquisitive posture.

The Maker’s Mark

The mark on the underside of the tail reads:

MESSENGER & SONS PUBLISHED NOV.R 1ST 1850 BIRMINGHAM

• Meaning of “Published”: In this context, “Published” is synonymous with “Registered.” It indicates that the design of this specific inkwell was registered under the British copyright acts to prevent other manufacturers from copying the mold. The date November 1, 1850, is the specific day this design protection began.

About Messenger & Sons

Messenger & Sons (founded c. 1810s; active until the 1930s) was one of the premier British metal foundries of the 19th century.

• Origins: Founded by Thomas Messenger, the firm was based in Birmingham, the heart of England’s metalworking industry (specifically at 15-16 Broad Street, later expanding to 19-20 Broad Street). They also maintained a London showroom at Hatton Garden.
• Reputation: They were historically significant for their high-quality casting and were best known for manufacturing chandeliers, lamps, and candelabra. They supplied fixtures for prestigious locations and had a reputation for “artistic” metalwork that rivaled the best French foundries.
• The Great Exhibition Connection: The date of this inkwell (1850) is significant. Messenger & Sons was a major exhibitor at the Great Exhibition of 1851 in London. It is likely that this model was designed during the ramp-up to the exhibition, where they showcased their finest “ornamental productions in iron and bronze.”