Meriden Sterling Silver & Glass Inkwell

Meriden Sterling Silver & Glass Inkwell

• Form: The piece is a single, squat inkwell with a glass body held within a decorative sterling silver holder.
• Glass Body: The inkwell features a heavy, round pressed-glass body.
• Silver Lid: The hinged lid is held by a sterling silver collar
  • Monogram: The top of the lid features an engraved monogram—a design made of initials. These Victorian-era monograms often feature highly stylized, overlapping, or intertwined letters (possibly ‘T’, ‘G’, or ‘C’) to denote ownership.

• Basket Encasement (Pattern/Weave): For the separate silver holder (the “basket” or “dish”) that the inkwell rests in, the pattern can be described as follows:

• Form: It is a low, shallow, circular or slightly dish-like base with raised sides.
• Structure: The sides and base of the holder are not a solid sheet of metal but are composed of openwork—a decorative pattern cut or cast into the silver to create a latticework effect.
• Pattern: The pattern is a type of pierced scrollwork or latticework.
  • It features repeating, symmetrical C-scrolls (curved elements) interspersed with smaller floral or foliate elements (leaves and stylized buds).
  • The overall effect is a dense, Victorian-style scrollwork pattern that allows light to pass through. This pattern is often referred to as Pierced Floral or Scrollwork.
• Edge: The design along the top edge is a type of continuous ribbon and crossed-bar (or sometimes called tied-ribbon) motif.

• Structure: It appears as a repeating series of short, straight, raised bars that are joined or “tied” by a more complex, ribbon-like knot or loop element in between.
• Appearance: When repeated, the design forms small, tight X or cross shapes, with the illusion that a ribbon has been threaded over and under the metal bars, forming a decorative border.
• Terminology: This pattern is a stylized version of a Greek Fret or Key Pattern mixed with Tied Ribbon elements, popularized in Neoclassical and Revival styles of the late 19th century. In silversmithing, this specific effect is often achieved using a stamping process called die rolling to ensure the border is perfectly uniform around the rim.

• Material: It is explicitly marked “Sterling”, meaning the silver component is made of an alloy that is at least 92.5% pure silver.

History of the Meriden Britannia Company

The Meriden Britannia Company (M.B. Co.) was primarily based in Meriden, Connecticut, an area known as the “Silver City” for its concentration of silver-related manufacturing.

Early Years and Consolidation (1852–1860s)

• Founding: The company was formally established in 1852 through the merger of several smaller manufacturing firms in Meriden, including Asa Rogers’ factory. The name itself reflects its original focus: the production of Britannia metal goods.
• Britannia Metal: This was an alloy primarily composed of tin, antimony, and copper. It was an excellent, inexpensive base metal for the new technology of electroplating.
• Adoption of Electroplating: Meriden Britannia became successful by mastering the emerging technology of electroplating silver onto base metals (Britannia metal or nickel silver). This allowed them to produce beautiful, durable, and highly ornate silver-plated wares that were affordable to the rapidly expanding American middle class.

Peak Influence and Diversification (1870s–1890s)

• Growth: The period following the Civil War saw an enormous boom in demand for domestic luxury items. Meriden Britannia established itself as a leader in the production of table flatware, hollowware (tea sets, pitchers, bowls), and decorative accessories like this inkwell.
• Expansion into Sterling: While best known for its plated wares, the company significantly expanded into sterling silver production to compete with high-end firms like Gorham and Tiffany. The sterling items, like this inkwell, were marked “Sterling” and typically combined with fine materials like cut glass, porcelain, and ivory.
• Aesthetic Style: The company’s designs followed popular trends, including elaborate Victorian styles, Aesthetic Movement motifs (Japanese-inspired designs), and later, the more restrained Neoclassical and Colonial Revival styles.

The International Silver Company (ISC)

• The Merger (1898): Meriden Britannia’s importance is underscored by its role as the driving force behind the formation of the International Silver Company (ISC) in 1898.
• ISC Creation: ISC was a trust formed by the consolidation of nearly 16 independent silver-producing companies in Meriden and surrounding towns. The goal was to consolidate manufacturing, eliminate competition, and streamline distribution.
• Post-Merger: After 1898, Meriden Britannia essentially became the Meriden Brand within the much larger International Silver Company. Although the official company ceased to exist, the high-quality Meriden trademarks and production facilities continued under the ISC umbrella well into the 20th century.

In short, Meriden Britannia evolved from a small collective into a powerhouse of silver plating and sterling production, helping to define the look of the American Victorian desk and dining room, before ultimately becoming the foundation for the largest silver conglomerate in the world, the International Silver Company.