Large Crystal and Sterling Silver Paperweight Inkwell

The heavy glass body features a masterfully deeply molded, flowing diagonal spiral swirl pattern that catches the light beautifully, maximizing its visual depth and brilliance. This matches perfectly with the ornate, swirling ribbed decoration of the heavy, hinged sterling silver lid, creating a unified, energetic aesthetic from top to bottom.

Deciphering the Markings

We can see the maker’s stamp located on the rim of the silver collar just under the hinge.

• The Silver Purity: The right side of the stamp reads “STERLING” (visible as “…TERLIN…” due to wear and the curve of the metal).
• The Maker’s Mark: To the left of the sterling mark is a distinct hallmark consisting of three stylized, interlocking letters inside a cartouche or shield outline. This is the official hallmark of the Unger Brothers (Unger Bros.), one of the premier American silversmiths of the era.

Origin, Maker, and Date

• Where was it made? It was made in Newark, New Jersey, USA.
• Who made it? The silverwork was crafted by Unger Brothers, a firm highly celebrated for its exceptional Art Nouveau and repoussé sterling silver work. The heavy, high-quality crystal body was likely produced by a prominent contemporary American glasshouse (such as Pairpoint, Libbey, or Dorflinger) to be custom-fitted with Unger Brothers silver mounts.
• When was it made? Circa 1895–1905. Unger Brothers produced their most iconic luxury sterling desk accessories and vanity items during this peak Art Nouveau period.