Porcelain Drum Inkstand with Floral Enamels

Attribution: Coalport Porcelain (c. 1815–1825)

• The Shape: This cylindrical “drum” form inkstand with three quill holders and a central inkwell is a known Coalport shape from the Regency period (c. 1810–1830).
• The Decoration: The specific style of painting—vibrant, naturalistic garden flowers (tulips, roses, daffodils, convolvulus) set against a heavy gilt ground—is characteristic of Coalport’s high-quality output during this era. The painting is likely by or in the style of Thomas Pardoe or William Billingsley, who were influential painters for Coalport and other factories in this period. The flowers are painted with soft enamels that sit slightly “proud” (raised) on the surface.
• The Acorn Finial: The gilded acorn finial on the lid is a classic Regency motif symbolizing strength and potential.

The “F.1.B.a” Marking

The handwritten mark “F.1.B.a” on the underside is almost certainly a collector’s inventory code or a museum accession number added much later in the object’s life, rather than a factory mark.

• Why: Porcelain factories in the 1820s (like Coalport, Spode, or Worcester) did not use this format of alpha-numeric code. They typically used painted pattern numbers (e.g., “No. 543”) or impressed maker’s marks. This inkstand is otherwise unmarked, which is very common for Coalport of this period (roughly 1815–1825).

Description:

A fine English porcelain inkstand of cylindrical “drum” form, raised on three acorn feet. The body is lavishly gilded and hand-painted with a continuous band of vibrant, naturalistic garden flowers—including full-blown pink roses, variegated tulips, yellow daffodils, and purple convolvulus—painted in polychrome enamels.

Top Deck: The flat top features three cylindrical quill holders (pen cups) and a central aperture for the inkwell.

Lid & Insert: It retains its original removable porcelain ink cup and a matching domed cover surmounted by a gilt acorn finial. The cover is decorated with a wreath of matching garden flowers.

Markings: Unmarked by the manufacturer (consistent with Coalport c. 1820). The underside bears a handwritten collector’s inventory code: “F.1.B.a” in black ink.