S. Sternau & Co. Electroplated Copper Inkstand

The Maker & Marks

• The Manufacturer: This inkstand was made by S. Sternau & Co. of Brooklyn/New York. Founded in 1893, the company initially specialized in artistic brass and copper household goods (advertised as “Sternau Ware”) before later introducing their most famous invention, “Sterno” canned heat, around 1914.
• The Inscription: Stamped vertically in the recessed channel next to the glass well is the manufacturer’s name: S. STERNAU & CO. / NEW YORK.
• The Trademark: On the underside of the central plate is Sternau’s official company trademark: a dotted oval bisected by a horizontal banner reading TRADE MARK, surrounding an intertwined SS&Co monogram.
• The Quality Mark: Stamped directly below the trademark is E.P., which stands for Electroplated.

Materials & Composition

• The Base: The base metal is a heavy cast metal (brass, or white metal) that has been finished with a rich electroplated copper layer. The characteristic green verdigris oxidization visible in the openwork scrolling indicates the presence of copper or brass alloy beneath the surface patina.
• The Glass Well: The heavy clear glass well features a classical pressed swirl design with a heavily faceted, starburst-cut bottom.
• The Lid: The hinged lid is cast with a prominent pineapple or pinecone finial, historically utilized as a traditional symbol of hospitality and prosperity.

Date & Location of Manufacture

• Where it was made: Brooklyn, New York, U.S.A.
• When it was made: Circa 1895–1910. The stylized openwork scrollwork borders transition nicely between late Victorian revivalism and early Art Nouveau styling.