Inkwell, Calendar, and Pocket Watch Combination

This “desk companion.” is a multifunctional piece that combines a perpetual calendar, an inkwell, and a pocket watch all into one compact, hallmarked sterling silver unit.

Design & Features

The piece is built on a heavy, square cut-glass base with a deep starburst pattern on the underside. The silver assembly is mounted on top and features three distinct functions:

• The Pocket Watch Lid: The most striking feature is the hinged dome lid. When closed, it appears to be a standard silver cap with a decorative winding-bow finial. However, the lid is actually a housing for a removable, white enamel-dial pocket watch with Roman numerals and a sub-seconds dial. The watch can be viewed by flipping the lid open.
• The Inkwell: Beneath the watch-lid lies the ink reservoir. The interior of the lid is also hallmarked, showing the level of detail put into the silverwork.
• The Perpetual Calendar: The front of the silver mount features a curved face with two circular apertures for the date and a rectangular slot for the month. The date is changed by pressing the small silver knobs or “ears” on the sides.

Hallmark Analysis

The hallmarks confirm the following:

• Maker’s Mark (HM): The “HM” in a shield stands for William Hutton & Sons Ltd (specifically Edward Septimus Hutton, who used this mark). They were a highly regarded firm based in Sheffield and London, known for their innovative “novelty” silver.
• Town Mark (Anchor): The anchor represents the Birmingham Assay Office.
• Quality Mark (Lion Passant): This confirms the piece is Sterling Silver (.925 purity).
• Date Letter (y): The lowercase “y” in this specific shield shape corresponds to the year 1898.

Summary of the Piece

• Origin: Birmingham, England
• Year: 1898
• Maker: William Hutton & Sons
• Material: Sterling Silver and Cut Glass
• Rarity: Finding these “all-in-one” desk sets with the original watch and functioning calendar mechanisms intact is rare.