French Pump Style Inkstand

Description

• The Reservoir: The central body consists of a vibrant cobalt blue porcelain cylinder. It features a white reserve on the front, decorated with a hand-painted floral spray of roses and wildflowers, all framed by intricate gilded scrolling patterns.
• The Base: The inkwell sits on an ornate, gilt-brass base designed in a scalloped, shell-like form. The front of the base acts as a pen tray, while two smaller integral shell-shaped wells provide space for nibs or stamps.
• The Pen Rack: Rising from the rear is a heavy, cast-brass branch-style pen rack with several notches to hold dip pens horizontally.
• Hardware: The top features an ornate, chased brass cap with a tiered, decorative turning knob. A small white porcelain dipping font at the front is equipped with a matching brass lid secured by a fine chain.

How the Displacement Mechanism Operates

While called a “pump,” this operates on a screw-driven displacement principle.

1. Lowering the Piston: Turning the brass knob clockwise rotates a central threaded rod inside the reservoir. This action forces a solid porcelain cylinder (the plunger) downward into the ink supply.
2. Raising the Ink: Because the ink has nowhere else to go, the physical presence of the descending porcelain plunger displaces the liquid, forcing it up through a hidden internal channel and into the small front dipping font.
3. Preservation (Reverse): Turning the knob counter-clockwise lifts the plunger, creating a slight vacuum that draws the ink out of the font and back into the main airtight reservoir. This “clean” cycle prevented the ink from evaporating or turning into a thick sludge when not in use.

Attribution and Age

• Maker: While this specific piece is unmarked, the combination of high-quality cobalt porcelain and elaborate cast-brass mounts is characteristic of French Palais Royal workshops. These Parisian craftsmen, such as Tahan or Alphonse Giroux, specialized in “Articles de Paris”—exclusive mechanical goods for the wealthy European market.
• Age: Circa 1865. The use of Rococo Revival themes and rich cobalt blue glazes was at its height during the Second French Empire.