Mechanical Perpetual Calendar & Double Inkstand

Description

This ornate double inkstand with an integrated tower perpetual calendar is designed in a distinctive Victorian/Eastlake Aesthetic Movement style.

Base & Framework

• Form & Structure: The base features a scalloped, bilobed contour with four decorative flared feet and two cut-out areas designed to securely hold standard square glass inkwells. Two versions are pictured: one made of brass, the other made of cast iron.
• Ornamentation:
  • The top of the base is relief-molded with stylized Victorian scrollwork and arabesques.
  • The front features a two-tiered, leaf-form pen rack (pen rest) integrated directly in front of the inkwells.
• Rear Plate Decorative Pattern: The reverse side of the calendar housing features a detailed, relief-molded morning glory vine complete with leaves, stems, and bell-shaped flowers set against a fine horizontal hatch-textured field.

Perpetual Calendar Mechanism

• Housing: A central tower angled backward for easy viewing from a seated desk position. The front panel framing the date apertures is accented with relief-molded floral/foliate sprigs and a fan-palmette cresting at the peak.
• Knobs & Roller Drums: Set into the sides of the tower are four turned wooden knobs (eight ends visible total) connected to internal paper roller scrolls:
  • Top Knob: Rotates the day-of-the-week drum.
  • Second Knob: Advances the numeric day drum forward.
  • Third Knob: Rolls back the numeric day drum.
  • Bottom Knob: Rotates the month drum.

Inkwells & Lids

• Glass Insets: Two heavy, clear pressed-glass inkwells featuring a bold, square profile with stepped/faceted corners and a textured grid pattern on the underside.
• Lids: Matching unattached, loose-fitting metal lids with stepped, faceted conical domes topped with finials that rest directly over the glass collars without hinges or threads.

Maker, Origin, and Date of Manufacture

• Manufacturer / Foundries: Unmarked cast-iron and brass desk items of this specific pattern were produced by major American hardware manufacturers and foundries operating during the late 19th century. Prominent makers of similar Eastlake/Victorian cast-iron desk accessories include firms like J. & E. Stevens Co. (Cromwell, CT), Bradley & Hubbard (Meriden, CT), and Peck, Stow & Wilcox Co.
• Country of Origin: United States.
• Date Range: Circa 1875–1890 (Late Victorian / Eastlake Aesthetic Era).
  • During this period, foundries routinely offered the exact same pattern molds in multiple metal options—primarily black-enameled or cold-painted cast iron as the standard option, and solid cast brass or bronze-finished spelter as a premium tier.