Sterling Silver Art Deco Inkstand

This sterling silver Art Deco inkstand has the clean lines, geometric patterns, and streamlined design characteristic of the period.

Detailed Description:

• Material: Sterling silver.
• Style: Art Deco, characterized by geometric patterns, clean lines, and a sense of modernity.
• Form:
  • Rectangular Body: The inkstand has a rectangular body with a slightly tapered or stepped base.
  • Hinged Lid: A hinged lid covers the top surface, providing access to the inkwells.
  • Pen Channel: A horizontal pen channel is integrated into the front of the inkstand.
• Decoration:
  • Engine Turning: The top surface of the hinged lid and the sides of the base are decorated with engine turning. This technique creates intricate geometric patterns by cutting precise lines into the metal surface.
  • Geometric Design: The engine-turned patterns are geometric, reflecting the Art Deco emphasis on symmetry and stylized forms.
  • Smooth Surfaces: The front and back of the inkstand have smooth, polished surfaces, creating a contrast with the engine-turned decoration. The piece has a wood bottom.
• Functionality:
  • Two Inkwells: Two inkwells are located beneath the hinged lid, providing separate reservoirs for ink.
  • Pen Channel: The pen channel in the front allows for convenient storage of pens.
  • Hinged Lid: The hinged lid protects the inkwells and keeps the ink from evaporating when not in use.
• Hallmarks:
  • Lion Passant: This is the standard English hallmark for sterling silver, indicating that the piece meets the 925 standard.
  • Crown (Sheffield): This is the town mark for Sheffield, England, indicating that the piece was assayed in Sheffield.
  • W&H (Walker & Hall): This is the maker’s mark for Walker & Hall, a renowned Sheffield silversmithing company.
  • Date “r” (1934): This is the date letter, indicating that the piece was assayed in 1934.

Walker & Hall:

• Sheffield Silversmiths: Walker & Hall was a prominent Sheffield silversmithing company, known for producing high-quality silverware and electroplated goods.
• Reputation: They had a reputation for craftsmanship and design.