German (Prussian) “Trophy of Arms” Inkstand

This is a German (Prussian) “Trophy of Arms” Inkstand dating to the Imperial era (c. 1871–1900).

The “M in a star” mark is most likely the foundry mark for Musterschutz (which is actually a German legal term for “Copyright/Protected Design” often abbreviated or symbolized) or a specific foundry like W. Müller (Berlin) or Meyer & Wriedt, though the iconographic evidence is the strongest tool for identification here.

Detailed Description & Identification

1. Origin & Subject: The Prussian Gardes du Corps The inkstand is a “Trophy of Arms” (a decorative pile of military weapons) celebrating the Regiment of the Gardes du Corps (Regiment of the Body Guard), the most elite cuirassier regiment of the Prussian Army.

• The Helmet: The centerpiece is a Pickelhaube (spiked helmet) topped not with a spike, but with a silvered eagle. This specific eagle-topped helmet was worn exclusively by the Gardes du Corps and the Garde-Kürassier-Regiment for full dress parades.
• The Cuirass: Below the helmet is a breastplate (cuirass). On the chest is a raised starburst motif. This represents the Order of the Black Eagle (Prussian: Hoher Orden vom Schwarzen Adler), the highest order of chivalry in Prussia, which was emblazoned on the breastplates of this regiment.
• The Inkwells: The two glass inkwells are topped with metal lids featuring lion heads in relief.
• Background: The “trophy” is composed of crossed regimental standards (flags), lances, and swords.

2. The Maker’s Mark: “M” in an 8-Pointed Star

• The Mark: The “M” inside a starburst is a foundry mark. While often confused with “Musterschutz” (Protected Pattern), in this context, it is likely the mark of a specific German metalware manufacturer such as W. Müller (Berlin) or potentially a variant of the Mayer or Moringen foundries.
• The Number “3033”: This is a mold number or pattern number. Foundries like Gladenbeck or E.G. Zimmermann used 4-digit numbers to catalog their vast array of desk sets.

3. Materials & Date

• Material: Cast Iron with a bronzed or gilt finish.
• Date: c. 1871–1900. This period (the Gründerzeit and following decades) saw a massive boom in patriotic Prussian military memorabilia following the Unification of Germany in 1871.

Summary:

Object: Imperial German Military Inkstand (“Trophée d’armes”). Date: c. 1871–1900. Subject: Prussian Gardes du Corps (Life Guards). Features a central cuirassier helmet surmounted by the Parade Eagle (Paradeadler) and a breastplate emblazoned with the Star of the Order of the Black Eagle. Markings: Mold number “3033” and foundry mark “M” inside an 8-pointed star on the underside. Construction: Cast metal (bronzed spelter or iron) with two glass inkwells featuring lion-mask lids. Decoration: Flanked by crossed regimental standards, swords, and lances.

This was likely a desk accessory for a military officer or a patriotic commemorative item sold to the public.