Hammered Copper Inkstand

This is a British Art Nouveau hammered metal inkstand, made of copper or copper-plated brass. Based on the registration number and distinctive styling, here are the details:

Design & Description

The piece is crafted in the Arts and Crafts or Art Nouveau style, featuring a “martelé” (hammered) texture and organic, flowing lines.

• Stand: The metal frame includes a built-in pen tray at the front and a central square opening to hold the ink bottle.
• Inkwell: It features a clear, heavy glass ink bottle with a square base and a matching hammered metal lid.
• Motif: A prominent heart motif appears on the center of the lid and is echoed in the metalwork at the base of the frame just above the pen tray.

Origin & Manufacturer

The registry number 521741 provides specific information about its production:

• Where: It was made in the United Kingdom. The “RD NO” (Registered Design Number) was the standard British system used by the Patent Office from 1884 onwards to protect ornamental designs.
• When: The number 521741 was registered in 1908. Registration for the series 520,000 began on February 14, 1908.
• Maker: The design and hammered finish are hallmarks of Joseph Sankey & Sons (also known as JS&S), a famous metalware firm based in Bilston, Staffordshire, England. Sankey was renowned for this style of hammered copper and brassware, often incorporating Art Nouveau motifs like the heart seen here.

The Registry Details

The registry indicates that this specific decorative design was officially protected by the British government to prevent other companies from copying the pattern for a set period (typically five years, renewable).