K&O Double Brass Inkstand

This is a geometrically styled double inkstand, constructed from brass, has a rectangular base and hinged lids shaped like truncated pyramids.

The inkstand is marked “K & O Co. – Quadruple Plate.”

“Quadruple Plate” refers to a specific method of electroplating used to apply a layer of silver over a base metal, which in this case appears to be brass. The term indicates that a significantly thicker layer of silver was deposited compared to standard electroplating. This heavier plating was intended to provide greater durability and a longer-lasting silver finish, making the item appear and wear more like solid silver. The fact that the finish on this inkwell is gone suggests that over time and use, the silver plating has worn away, revealing the underlying brass.

K&O Co. refers to Kronheim & Oldenbusch, a well-known American manufacturer of metal goods.

• Origin: They were based in New York City.
• Active Period: The company was active from the late 19th century into the early 20th century (approximately 1870s to the 1920s).
• Products: Kronheim & Oldenbusch produced a wide variety of silver-plated and other metal items, including:
  • Tableware: Serving dishes, trays.
  • Decorative items: Vases, bowls.
  • Desk accessories: Inkstands, pen trays, letter holders.
• Markings: Their products are typically marked with “K & O Co.” or a variation thereof, often accompanied by the “Quadruple Plate” designation on their silver-plated wares.
• Style: Their designs often reflected the popular styles of the era, including Victorian, Art Nouveau, and the more streamlined, functional styles of the early 20th century. The simple, geometric form of this inkwell aligns with some of their later or more utilitarian designs.