French Pewter Inkwell

French Pewter Inkwell

• Materials: The inkwell consists of a pewter casing with a hinged lid, which encases a 12-sided, faceted glass body.
• Structure: The pewter casing forms a conical top and three legs. The legs are designed with hoof-like feet and are shaped to also serve as pen holders, with a hole at the top of each leg to hold a quill or pen when not in use.
• Decoration: The pewter has a distinctive, rustic texture and is unpolished, giving it a weathered, antique appearance. The hinged lid is topped with a simple floral design and a knob finial.
• Marks and Origin: The inkwell bears two distinct marks:
  • “Touch” Mark: The inside of the lid is impressed with a touch mark, the traditional stamp of a pewter maker that served as a signature of quality.
  • “Made in France” Mark: The underside of the piece is clearly stamped with the phrase “Made in France.” This national origin mark, which became common on items made for export from the late 19th century onward, places the piece squarely in a transitional period of manufacturing and trade.

The combination of the traditional “touch mark” with the more modern “Made in France” stamp suggests this inkwell was made during a time when French workshops were still using historic marking methods but were also adapting to the requirements of the international export market.