Sterling Silver Inkstand Featuring Hamlet

At the center of this sterling silver inkstand is a detailed figure of Hamlet, Prince of Denmark, from Shakespeare’s iconic play. He is sitting on a throne speaking to the skull (“Alas, poor Yorick!”), also known as the “gravedigger scene”. The inkstand includes two glass inkwells with sterling silver lids, positioned on either side of Hamlet. The base is adorned with intricate decorative motifs, including leaves and floral designs.

The piece has several British hallmarks that date the piece circa 1864 in London, UK. A lion hallmark signifies the entire piece is fashioned from sterling silver. The inkwell is signed “SSWN” for its creators Stephen Smith & William Nicholson.