Sterling Silver Lock-Down Travel Inkwell

The detailed workmanship on the body of this inkwell features rounded shoulders with mitered corners over narrow molding on the lid and stepped back molding around the base. The lid is engraved with a fist holding an upright dagger. The screw sits behind the lid at the rear instead of at the front, and the folding tab is shaped somewhat like a crown.

It is hallmarked with “TW” (most likely Thomas Wright, reg’d. 1778, though similar marks are attributed to Thomas Wimbush and Thomas Woodhouse); a lion passant; a crowned leopard head (used until 1822, after which the leopard lost his crown); a smooth upper case “S”, the date mark for 1813, and a right-facing George III (1726-1821). The front of the well has a medallion stamped:

WELLS & CO.

PATENT

29 COCKSPUR STREET