Silver Over Glass Inkwell

Description of the Silver-Over-Glass Inkwell

• Material and Construction: The inkwell features a primary body of glass.   Over this glass form, a meticulously crafted overlay of sterling silver has been fitted. This technique, common in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, combined the beauty and durability of silver with the practicality of glass for holding liquids.

• Form and Overlay: The inkwell has a bulbous or rounded body. The sterling silver overlay features pierced and repoussé (raised) work. It showcases Art Nouveau-inspired motifs, characterized by flowing, organic lines, stylized natural forms, and asymmetrical designs. You can see swirling tendrils, possibly stylized leaves or floral elements, that are typical of this turn-of-the-century aesthetic. The silver forms an intricate cage or latticework around the glass, allowing glimpses of the glass beneath while providing a rich texture and visual interest.

• Hallmarks and Provenance:
  • “Sterling” or Lion Passant: The “Sterling” mark (or the lion passant mark, indicating 92.5% pure silver) confirms the high quality of the silver.
  • London Assay Mark: This mark confirms it was assayed (tested for purity) in London.
  • Date Letter “1901”: The date letter for 1901 precisely dates the manufacture of this silver overlay.
  • Maker’s Mark “William Comyns”: The maker’s mark indicates that this piece was produced by William Comyns & Sons, a respected and prolific London silversmithing firm. William Comyns was particularly known for producing a wide range of decorative silver items, often incorporating intricate designs and catering to the popular tastes of the late Victorian and Edwardian periods, including Art Nouveau.