Souvenir Inkstand – Strasbourg Cathedral

Description of the Inkstand

This piece is a detailed miniature of the Strasbourg Cathedral (Cathédrale Notre-Dame-de-Strasbourg), cast in spelter (a zinc-based alloy often called régule in France).

• Central Feature: The cathedral model occupies the center, showcasing its iconic single-tower facade. It is flanked by two charming half-timbered houses, which are characteristic of the historic “Petite France” district in Strasbourg.
• The Inkwells: On either side of the cathedral are two lidded inkwells. The lids are octagonal and faceted, opening to reveal black inserts.
• The Base & Pen Tray: The wide, architectural base features a long, recessed pen tray in the front. It is decorated with intricate scrollwork, floral motifs at the center, and a repeating geometric “zigzag” or “sawtooth” pattern along the elevated platform.
• Inscriptions: The base of the cathedral model is clearly embossed with the words “STRASBOURG LA CATHÉDRALE.” The underside shows a hollow-cast construction with a central bolt and the number “5352,” likely a factory model or catalog number.

Age and Origin

This inkstand most likely dates to circa 1890–1915.

Spelter was the “bronze of the people” – it allowed for the mass production of highly detailed decorative arts at a lower cost than traditional bronze. The production of these monumental souvenirs peaked during the height of 19th-century European tourism, particularly after the Franco-Prussian War (1870), when Strasbourg’s status as a border city made it a site of significant national and cultural interest.

History of the Strasbourg Cathedral

The Strasbourg Cathedral is considered one of the finest examples of High Gothic architecture in the world.

• Construction: Building began in 1015 in the Romanesque style, but by the 1200s, the style shifted to the newly popular Gothic aesthetic. It was finally completed in 1439.
• The World’s Tallest: From 1647 to 1874, the cathedral’s 142-meter (466 ft) spire made it the tallest building in the world. It held this title for 227 years until it was surpassed by St. Nikolai’s Church in Hamburg.
• The Single Spire: One of its most famous features is its asymmetrical appearance. Though two towers were planned, only the north tower was ever finished with a spire. This unique silhouette became the defining symbol of the city.

Why It Became a Souvenir

By the 1800s, the cathedral was much more than just a place of worship; it was a “must-see” marvel of the Western world. It became worthy of such elaborate souvenirs for several reasons:

1. Engineering Marvel: Visitors were awestruck by the “lace-like” stonework of the facade. Victor Hugo famously described it as a “gigantic and delicate marvel.”
2. The Romantic Movement: Writers like Goethe and Hugo championed Gothic architecture in the 19th century, leading to a massive surge in “architectural tourism.”
3. National Symbolism: Because Strasbourg was frequently contested between France and Germany, owning a model of the cathedral was often a statement of regional pride and cultural heritage.
4. The Rise of the Desk Set: In the 19th century, the desk was the center of home life. Souvenir inkwells allowed travelers to bring a piece of “the world” home, serving as a functional reminder of their journey every time they dipped their pen.