Pearce & Sons Sterling Silver Inkwell

Description

The inkstand consists of two primary components: a substantial sterling silver base and a coordinating cut-glass inkwell.

• The Silver Base:
  • The base features a square-shaped form with elegant concave sides and a stepped, molded edge.
  • It is fitted with four scrolled pen rests (two on each long side).
  • The center contains a square recessed well designed to hold the inkwell securely. Inside this well, the piece is stamped with the serial or pattern number 12153.
  • The side of the base is clearly stamped with the retailer/maker mark: PEARCE & SONS SILVERSMITHS LEEDS.
• The Inkwell:
  • The inkwell is crafted from heavy cut glass with deep miter cuts along the sides and a traditional star-cut pattern on the underside.
  • It is topped with a sterling silver collar and lid. The lid is a flat, circular “cap” style with a simple hinge and a small thumbpiece for easy opening.

Hallmark Breakdown

The hallmarks provide a precise record of the item’s origin:

• Maker’s Mark (Pe & SONS): The mark of Pearce & Sons, enclosed in a quatrefoil-shaped shield.
• The Crown: The city mark for Sheffield, England.
• The Lion Passant: The British “standard mark” certifying the item is .925 sterling silver.
• Date Letter (x): The specific letter style for Sheffield in 1915.

About Pearce & Sons

Pearce & Sons was a prestigious firm of manufacturing silversmiths and jewelers with a long history in the north of England and the Midlands.

• Origins: The business was founded in 1838 by Henry Pearce in Grantham, Lincolnshire.
• Expansion: As Henry’s four sons joined the business, the firm expanded significantly, opening prominent branches in Leeds, Leicester, Huddersfield, and York.
• Reputation: By the early 20th century, they were known for high-quality domestic silver, clocks, and watches. The Leeds branch (referenced on this inkstand) was located on the corner of Bond and Albion Street.
• Transition: Following the death of family members and the economic shifts after WWI, the business was gradually acquired by the Brook family (who had been longtime managers). By 1933, the Leeds branch closed as part of a restructuring, though the Pearce name continued through other branches for decades.

This specific piece, dated 1915, was produced during a tumultuous period for the firm. Trade for luxury goods like silver plummeted by nearly 50% at the start of World War I in 1914 but began a steady recovery by mid-1915—the year this inkstand was assayed.