Sterling Silver Double Inkstand with Integrated Chamberstick

This is a superb example of Gorham Art Nouveau sterling silver, specifically a double inkstand with integrated chamberstick (candle holder) – model number B1713.

Description

Gorham Art Nouveau Sterling Silver Double Inkstand, model B1713, Providence, Rhode Island, pattern designed circa 1903. The stand is cast and chased after the aesthetic of Gorham’s prestigious Martelé line, featuring a fluid, organic form. The high-domed back is centered by a “Femme-Fleur” (woman’s face with flowing hair) which serves as the base for a single tulip-form candle holder.

The front edge is prominently decorated with a spread-wing owl, a traditional symbol of wisdom and scholarship. The stand features two circular reserves holding the original lobed inkwells. The inkwells contain one ceramic (likely Minton porcelain) and one glass liner; given the mismatch, one is likely a period replacement. The piece is raised on three scrolled feet and is embellished throughout with chased floral and foliate motifs.

Engravings: The rim bears a personalized presentation engraving: “W.L.” on the left and “December 31, 1914” on the right.

Marks: The undersides of the stand and both wells are stamped with the Gorham “pseudo-hallmarks” (Lion passant, Anchor, and Old English “G”) above “STERLING / B1713”. Specifications: * Weight: 38.81 ozt (excluding liners).

• Dimensions: Stand: 6 ⅝” H (to candle holder) x 12 ¼” W x 6 ¾” D. Inkwells: 2 ½” H.

Manufacturer & Historical Background

The Gorham Manufacturing Company Founded by Jabez Gorham in Providence, RI, in 1831, Gorham grew to become the most influential American silver firm of the 19th and early 20th centuries. They were the official silver suppliers to the White House for several administrations and were known for their technical innovation and high-quality “pseudo-hallmarks” (designed to mimic British marks).

The Martelé Connection While this inkstand is marked as standard Sterling, its design is heavily indebted to Gorham’s Martelé line (introduced in 1900). Martelé was a labor-intensive, hand-hammered line where each piece was unique. Because Martelé was prohibitively expensive, Gorham produced high-end “production” pieces like this one – using Martelé designs but employing casting and chasing techniques to make the aesthetic accessible to a broader luxury market.

Symbolism The combination of the woman (Nature/Beauty) and the owl (Wisdom/Night) is a classic Art Nouveau pairing. The addition of a candle holder suggests this was intended for a formal desk or library table, allowing for late-night correspondence “by the midnight oil.”

Dating The pattern (B1713) was introduced around 1903. This piece was likely manufactured between 1905 and 1914, with the engraving confirming it was presented or purchased as a New Year’s Eve gift in 1914.