Sterling Silver Inkstand

This sterling silver inkstand has an oval tray base resting on four ball feet. It is designed to hold two glass bottles, one for ink and one for pounce (a fine powder used to dry ink). These bottles have a faceted, diamond-cut pattern. They sit securely within two circular, raised sterling silver retainers or holders, which are fixed to the base. The bottles are topped with separate, removable sterling silver lids.

The piece is fully hallmarked:

• Material: Sterling Silver
• Hallmark Location: London
• Date: 1800
• Maker: John Emes

This inkstand is a fine example of early 19th-century silversmithing, embodying the clean lines and classical restraint popular around the turn of the 19th century in England.