Rococo Revival Style Inkwell

This is a single bronze inkwell, ornamented in a Rococo Revival style. It features a central inkwell holder surrounded by elaborate, asymmetrical scrollwork and naturalistic motifs.

Design and Decoration:

• Central Inkwell: The housing around the inkwell has fluted or gadrooned details. It has a domed, hinged lid, also decorated with swirls and a central, flame-like finial.
• Elaborate Base and Scrollwork: The base is an integral part of the casting, forming an irregular, flowing shape with profuse C-scrolls and S-scrolls characteristic of the Rococo style.

The Mark “REG 855”:

The impressed mark “REG 855” (or sometimes seen as “Rd. No.” or “REG’D No.”) on decorative items like this is an English (British) design registration number.

• Meaning: This number indicates that the design of the object was registered with the British Patent Office (later the Board of Trade) to protect its aesthetic appearance from being copied.
• Dating: These registration numbers were issued sequentially. A number like “855” would typically correspond to a very early registration in the system, potentially placing the design registration in the mid-19th century, likely around the 1840s or 1850s. The actual manufacture of the piece could be concurrent or slightly later.