Nautical Desk Inkstand: Brass Sailboat

Origin, Maker, and Date

• Where it was made: France.
• Who made it: Attributed to Baccarat for the molded, fluted glass hull and matching fluted glass inkwells, featuring hand-worked pressed brass/gilt-bronze mounts and fittings.
• When it was made: Mid-to-late 19th century (circa 1850s–1870s), produced as a whimsical French novelty/Grand Tour desk piece.

Description

• Hull & Base: The hull of the sailboat consists of a heavy, fluted clear glass bowl, supported underneath by brass resting posts/feet.
• Brass Deck & Rigging: Fitted atop the glass hull is an openwork, stamped/pressed brass deck plate featuring circular collars designed to cradle two removable glass inkwells.
• Sails & Mast: A tall brass mast holds a hammered brass sail and a waving pennant flag at the top masthead. Twisted rope-twist brass wiring serves as the rigging lines running from the bowsprit to the mast.
• Nautical Accents: Detailed brass fittings decorate the vessel, including a side-hung anchor suspended by twisted wire, a long rowing oar/steering pole mounted along the gunwale, and a large triangular rudder fin attached at the stern.
• Inkwells: The desk set includes two matching, heavy fluted/swirled crystal ink inserts. Each is capped with a brass collar and a hinged lid sculpted in the likeness of a classic French sailor’s cap (flat cap with a rounded brim).