Sterling Silver Double Inkstand with Handle

Description of the Inkstand

• Material: The inkstand is made from sterling silver, indicated by the hallmarks.
• Form and Base: The inkstand has a rectangular base. It rests on four scroll bracket feet.
• Carrying Handle: A distinctive feature is the central raised loop carrying handle. This handle is gracefully curved and rises above the inkwells, allowing the entire inkstand to be easily transported from one location to another on a desk or between rooms.

• Inkwells: The base is fitted to hold two inkwells, positioned symmetrically on either side of the central handle. These holders are shaped to perfectly accommodate the inkwells, with a slight rim to keep them in place. The inkwells are made of glass and have silver lids.

Hallmarks and Provenance

The hallmarks provide precise details about the inkstand’s origin and date:

• Lion Passant: This is the standard mark for sterling silver in the UK, indicating a purity of 92.5% silver.
• Sheffield: This is the assay office mark, confirming that the silver was assayed (tested for purity) in Sheffield, England.
• Henry Wilkinson & Co.: This identifies the prestigious maker of the inkstand as Henry Wilkinson & Co., a well-known silversmith firm based in Sheffield.
• Year 1838: This is the date letter, precisely dating the manufacture of the inkstand to the year 1838.

Period Inscription

The presence of a period inscription on the base adds a rich layer of personal history:

• Inscription: “To John Nash Esq. from his friend Thomas Martin.”
• Significance: This inscription indicates that the inkstand was a gift between two individuals in 1838 or shortly thereafter. Such personal inscriptions are  valued as they tell a story about the object’s original purpose and owners, making it a unique historical artifact beyond its intrinsic value as silver.