Repoussé Sterling & Baccarat Crystal Inkwell

Overview

• Maker: The collar bears the winged “S” maker’s mark alongside a pattern/production letter stamp (“V”), which confirms manufacture by George W. Shiebler & Co. of New York. The opposite side of the collar is stamped STERLING.
• Origin & Period: United States (New York), circa 1895–1901 (Late Victorian / turn-of-the-century Art Nouveau transition).
• Date Engraving: The engraving on the lid cartouche reads “Xmas ’01”, which was standard late-19th/early-20th-century shorthand for Christmas 1901. It was customary for luxury desk and vanity pieces to be custom monogrammed and dated when presented as holiday gifts.
• Crystal Body: The molded swirling floral/pinwheel patterned clear crystal is consistent with French glass produced by Baccarat. Prominent American silversmiths—including Shiebler, Gorham, and Tiffany & Co.—frequently imported heavy molded crystal blanks from Baccarat to mount with custom sterling silver collars and hinged covers.

Detailed Description

• Cover & Mount: Heavy repoussé and chased sterling silver domed lid decorated in high relief with scrolling Rococo foliage, florals, and stippled background textures.
• Cartouche & Monogram: The top center features a reserve engraved with an elaborate intertwined Victorian three-letter script monogram (likely H.E.C. or J.E.C.) directly above the presentation date Xmas ’01.
• Hinge & Collar: A five-knuckle rectangular piano hinge connects the domed lid to a fitted sterling collar.
• Crystal Well: Heavy blown-molded clear crystal featuring dynamic swirling pinwheel and feather-like raised textures around the body. The underside displays a concave ground and frosted base ring surrounding an interior central depression.
• Dimensions: Measures approximately 3.5 inches in total height by about 2.75 inches in diameter at the base.

About George W. Shiebler & Co.

Founded in New York by George Washington Shiebler (active 1876–1910), the firm was renowned as one of the most innovative and artistic American silver manufacturers of the Gilded Age.

Shiebler distinguished himself from larger industrial competitors through exceptional hand-chasing, intricate repoussé work, and eclectic design movements—ranging from classical Greek and Etruscan coin jewelry to rich Rococo Revival and Art Nouveau desk accessories. The company ceased operations in 1910.