Silver Inkwell with Stamp Holder

This is a solid silver inkwell, oblong in form, with a domed hinged lid, and integrated storage compartment with a triple stamp holder.

Key Features:

• Form and Shape:
  • Oblong: The inkwell has a distinct oblong shape, providing a spacious surface and a streamlined profile.
  • Domed Hinged Lid: The inkwell features a smoothly domed, hinged lid that covers the ink reservoir.
  • Curved Hinged Lid (Front): The front section of the inkwell has a curved hinged lid that opens to reveal a storage compartment and a triple stamp holder.
• Material and Finish:
  • Solid Silver: The inkwell is made of solid sterling silver, as indicated by the Lion Passant hallmark.
• Functionality:
  • Ink Reservoir: The main compartment beneath the domed lid serves as the ink reservoir.
  • Original Glass Liner: The inkwell retains its original glass liner, which would have held the ink and prevented corrosion of the silver.
  • Storage Compartment: The front compartment provides storage space for pens, nibs, or other desk accessories. There is also a ledge to hold a pen.
  • Triple Stamp Holder: The front compartment also features a triple stamp holder, allowing for the organization and easy access of multiple stamps.
• Hallmarks: The inkwell is hallmarked with:
  • Lion Passant: Indicates sterling silver (925 standard).
  • Wheat Sheaves: Represents the Chester Assay Office.
  • “C”: The date letter for the year 1903 in the Chester assay system.
  • SM & Co: The maker’s mark for Sampson Mordan & Co. Ltd., a renowned London silversmithing firm.

Sampson Mordan & Co. Ltd.:

• Reputation: Sampson Mordan & Co. Ltd. was a highly regarded London silversmithing firm known for producing quality silver items, including inkwells, desk accessories, and novelty items.