French Double Inkstand with Clock

This French double inkstand is from the late 19th to early 20th century (circa 1890–1910). It is a classic example of the Art Nouveau period, characterized by its organic, flowing lines and botanical motifs.

Description

• Material and Finish: The piece is cast from spelter (a zinc-based alloy) and finished with a dark bronze-colored patina.
• The Clock: The central focal point is a circular clock set into a tapering, sculptural pedestal.
  • Face: The dial is white enamel with black Roman numerals for the standard hours and smaller red Arabic numerals (13–24) for the 24-hour scale.
  • Details: It features delicate black spade-style hands and is encased in a simple gold-toned bezel.
• Inkwells: Flanking the clock are two integrated inkwells. The glass or ceramic inserts are missing. Each well is covered by a hinged lid that is embossed with a motif of holly leaves and berries. The lids are topped with small, clustered berry finials.
• Base and Ornamentation: Pen Channel: A long, shallow rectangular groove runs across the front of the base to provide a resting place for a dip pen.
  • Botanical Theme: The holly leaf and berry motif is carried throughout the entire piece—climbing up the sides of the clock pedestal and adorning the front and side aprons of the base.
  • Feet: The inkstand is supported by four decorative, scroll-style feet that emerge seamlessly from the botanical molding.
• The Underside: The bottom reveals the hollow cast nature of the spelter and shows a small stamped numeral (“501”), likely a model or factory production number.

Estimated Age

This inkstand was likely produced between 1895 and 1905.

The use of spelter for high-detail desk accessories was very common in France during this time as a more affordable alternative to solid bronze. The specific combination of a dual-scale clock face (standard and 24-hour) and the highly naturalistic “Holly” pattern is quintessential for desk sets made at the turn of the century.