Polychrome Cast Iron “Peacock” Inkwell

Manufacturer & Date of Manufacture

• Manufacturer: H. L. Judd Manufacturing Company (Wallingford, Connecticut). Judd was renowned during the late 19th and early 20th centuries for high-quality decorative cast iron desk accessories, bookends, and hardware using distinct four-digit pattern numbers.
• Date: Circa 1910–1925

Pattern Confirmation

• Pattern Name: Peacock & Tree of Life (often cataloged simply as the Peacock desk set).
• While the inkwell and rocker blotter feature the proud display of fanned peacock plumage, the matching letter holder (#6845) integrates the peacocks alongside flanking stylized trees, giving the full desk suite its recognized “Tree of Life” collector designation.

Inkwell Description

• Form & Structure:
  • Cast iron construction shaped as a truncated pyramid with an integrated forward pen trough/rest.
  • Square hinged lid featuring a raised, domed medallion adorned with a radiating rosette of stylized peacock tail “eye” feathers.
  • The interior well retains its original clear glass insert.
  • The hollow base is stamped/cast on the underside with model number 4968.
• Ornamentation & Motifs:
  • Low-relief casting on the front and sloping sides depicting a standing peacock in full frontal display with an arched, fanned tail against a stippled ground.
  • Stylized grass/ground tufts frame the bird’s feet, flanked by clean Arts and Crafts geometric border framing.
• Finish:
  • Bronzed/copper-washed patinated finish on heavy cast iron.
  • Polychrome cold-painted enamel accents in vivid emerald greens, malachite hues, and turquoise blues highlighting the plumage and crest.

Desk Set Suite Context

• Inkwell (No. 4968): Pyramidal well with integrated front pen rest and radiating feather-cap lid.
• Rocker Blotter: Rectangular cast top plate featuring two confronted peacocks flanking a central turned baluster grip knob, set on a curved wooden rocking base.
• Letter Holder (No. 6845): Two-tier stepped mail sorter with an arched central panel displaying the fanned peacock flanked by two gnarled, blooming trees (“Tree of Life” motif).

1. L. Judd Numbering & Dating Context

• The earliest likely date of manufacture for this inkwell is circa 1910 (spanning roughly 1910–1915 for its initial production run).

• Chronological Numbering Range: H. L. Judd utilized a sequential 4-digit catalog / casting inventory system for their decorative art metal goods and desk appointments.
  • Models in the 4000s (such as Victorian and early Aesthetic pieces like model #4411) originated in the late 1880s to early 1900s.
  • Late 4000-series numbers (like #4968) fall right at the transition around 1910, when Judd introduced stylized Arts & Crafts and transitional Art Nouveau motifs.
• Component Numbering Spread: In multi-piece desk sets, Judd assigned separate inventory numbers as items were designed or cataloged for individual sale. The inkwell carrying #4968 represents the foundational piece of the suite, while the companion letter holder numbered in the #6845 sequence indicates Judd continued producing or expanding complementary pieces into the 1915–1920s period.