Inkipedia
Souvenir – The Lion of Belfort
| Categories | Figural - Animals & Living Creatures, Souvenir |
| Type | Lion |
| Material | White metal |
| Manufacturer | Undetermined |
| Origin | France |
| Date or Era | circa 1900 |
| Measuring | 5 ¾” x 3” x 4 ¼” high |
The Lion of Belfort, in Belfort, France, is a monumental sculpture by Frédéric Auguste Bartholdi, the sculptor of the Statue of Liberty.
Finished in 1880, it is made entirely of red sandstone. The blocks it is made from were individually sculpted, then moved under Belfort castle to be assembled. Twenty-two meters in length and 11 meters in height, the colossal work dominates the local landscape.
The lion symbolizes the heroic French resistance during the Siege of Belfort, a 103-day Prussian assault (from December 1870 to February 1871). The city was protected from 40,000 Prussians by merely 17,000 men (of whom only 3,500 were from the military) led by Colonel Denfert-Rochereau.
This souvenir lion inkwell is made from bronzed white metal. The lion lies on top of a base, and his head lifts to reveal the inkwell.
Also see Inkipedia entry: Lion Inkstand – The Society of Inkwell Collectors (SOIC)
2/28/25 Added photos of lion inkwell without the base.
Estimated value: $125
2/28/25 lion without the base sold for $185
Content disclaimer. The information posted is the owner’s best knowledge and may not have been vetted by the SOIC. We welcome comments, corrections, and additions, working to make our website information comprehensive and accurate.
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