Hallmarked Silver Inkwell – Military Connection

This George V-era sterling silver inkwell is a poignant historical artifact, blending the high-end craftsmanship of a premier London silversmith with a likely military or commemorative provenance from the First World War.

The Manufacturer: Holland, Aldwinckle & Slater

The hallmarks confirm the piece was produced by one of the most respected firms of the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

• The Maker: Holland, Aldwinckle & Slater was a high-status London firm known for their exceptional ecclesiastical and presentation silver. They often produced pieces for top-tier retailers like Garrard’s.
• Assay Marks: The piece bears the Leopard’s Head (London), the Lion Passant (Sterling purity), and the date letter “e” for the year 1920.
• Design: The glass reservoir is elegantly encased in a silver frame with a matching hinged lid.

The Inscription: “Edinburgh 1916 – 1919”

The hand-engraved inscription and the initials “TSD” provide a lead for its historical context.

• The Military Connection: The dates 1916–1919 encompass the final years of World War I and the immediate post-war demobilization period. Edinburgh served as a vital naval and military hub during this time, notably housing the Royal Naval Air Service (RNAS) and the Redford Barracks.
• The Zeppelin Raid: On the night of April 2–3, 1916, Edinburgh was bombed by two German Zeppelins (L14 and L22), resulting in significant damage to the city and several casualties.
• Post-War Presentation: While the events occurred between 1916 and 1919, the silver was assayed in 1920. This indicates the inkwell was commissioned as a presentation gift shortly after the war ended, to honor the service of “TSD” in the city during those tumultuous years.

Historical Significance

The Timber Supplies Department (Departmental)

A possible explanation for the initials “T.S.D.” alongside “Edinburgh 1916–1919” is the Timber Supplies Department of the Board of Trade.

• The Role: During WWI, the TSD was responsible for sourcing the massive amounts of wood needed for trench shoring, telegraph poles, and fuel.
• Edinburgh Connection: The Home Grown Timber Committee (the precursor to the TSD) was headquartered in Edinburgh and led by Sir John Stirling Maxwell and John D. Sutherland.
• The Dates: The department was most active between 1916 and 1919, until it was transitioning its responsibilities back to civilian forestry (leading to the creation of the Forestry Commission in 1919).
• The Context: It was common for senior officials or “specialists” in these wartime departments to be presented with engraved silver upon the department’s dissolution or their departure in 1919.

Summary Table