Sterling Silver Inkstand – Hallmarked 1906

Description of the Sterling Silver Inkstand

This Edwardian sterling silver inkstand, hallmarked for Sheffield, 1906, features a heavy, weighted square base. The design is a sophisticated blend of Neo-Classical and Rococo influences.

• The Inkwell & Lid: Centered on the stand is a square, integrated inkwell. The hinged lid is decorated with a border of gadrooning (the “feathered” or “roped” detail) and is topped with a prominent, cast foliate bud finial.
• The Body: The sides of the stand are elegantly concave (swept) and adorned with intricate acanthus leaf and feather-style relief work at the corners, which flows downward toward the base.
• Pen Rests: A standout feature is the four cast scroll-form rests positioned at each corner. These architectural elements serve both a decorative and functional purpose as pen supports.
• The Base: The entire piece sits on a stepped square plinth edged with a deep gadrooned border, mirroring the motif on the lid.
• Hallmarks: The base clearly displays a crisp set of English hallmarks:
  • HE / LD: The maker’s mark for Hawksworth, Eyre & Co. Ltd.
  • Crown: The town mark for Sheffield.
  • Lion Passant: The standard mark for Sterling Silver (.925).
  • Date Letter ‘o’: Representing the year 1906.

History of Hawksworth, Eyre & Co.

Hawksworth, Eyre & Co. (often abbreviated as HE & Co or HE/LD) was one of Sheffield’s most prestigious silversmiths and manufacturers of Old Sheffield Plate.

Origins and Evolution

The firm’s roots trace back to the mid-19th century. It was originally established by Charles Hawksworth and John Eyre around 1833. They quickly gained a reputation for excellence in “Electro-Plate” and sterling silver, eventually succeeding the firm of James Hawksworth.

Growth and Expansion

By the late Victorian era, the company had grown significantly, maintaining a large manufactory at Nursery Street, Sheffield, and prestigious showrooms in London (specifically at 18 Ludgate Hill and later 13/14 Charterhouse Street). This presence in both the industrial heart of silver production and the commercial center of the empire allowed them to cater to the high-end retail market.

Reputation for Quality

Hawksworth & Eyre were known for their mastery of traditional styles—often reviving Georgian and Queen Anne designs with Edwardian precision. Their work is characterized by:

• Cast Detailing: They utilized heavy, high-quality casting for elements like this inkstand’s scroll pen rests.
• Substantial Weight: Their pieces often feel more “significant” than those of their contemporaries.
• Limited Company Status: The company became a “Limited” entity in 1869, which is why this 1906 hallmark includes the “LD” suffix in the maker’s mark.

The firm continued to operate through the early 20th century before eventually being absorbed by other manufacturers as the market for large-scale domestic silver began to shift after the World Wars.