Silverplated Golf Inkstand

Description

• The Base & Mounts: The silverplated tray has an irregular, scalloped outline edged with a finely beaded or rope-twist border, raised on four small ball feet molded to resemble golf balls. Fixed to the center of the tray is a detailed, rocky ground mount supporting the cast figure of a golfer mid-swing in traditional knickerbocker attire and a flat cap. Crossing in front of the golfer are two miniature golf clubs paired with another molded golf ball.
• The Inkwells: It is flanked by two square, cut-crystal glass inkwells featuring starburst/hobnail patterns on their bases. Each inkwell is topped by a hinged silverplated cap with a smooth, domed lid.

The Maker & Markings

• Maker’s Mark: The bottom surface of the tray bears the stamped maker’s mark S. P. & Co. enclosed in a rectangular punch, accompanied by accompanying secondary punch marks.
• “S. P. & Co.” is a generic layout of initials and was used by multiple manufacturing partnerships over the centuries (including various provincial electroplaters, tool makers, and small metalworkers in Sheffield and Birmingham whose exact ledger records for minor novelty lines have been lost to time).

Manufacturing Period

• Date: Golf-themed novelty items and desk accessories surged in popularity during the late 19th and early 20th centuries, coinciding with the global golf boom of the Edwardian era. Based on the style of the cast sporting figure, the crystal-cut wells, and the manufacturer’s mark, this inkstand was manufactured circa 1900–1920.