Sterling Silver-Mounted Cut Glass Inkwell

A late Victorian sterling silver-mounted and cut-glass inkwell of striking pumpkin form, hallmarked for London, 1895, by the manufacturing silversmiths John Grinsell & Sons (JG&S).

Description

• Type: Antique Sterling Silver-Mounted Cut Glass Inkwell / Inkstand
• Period & Origin: Late Victorian period, hallmarked for London, England, with the date letter corresponding to 1895.
• Maker: John Grinsell & Sons (JG&S)
• Form & Design: Beautifully made in a decorative, organic pumpkin form (or melon shape). The heavy, clear crystal body features deep vertical thumb-cut fluting radiating downward from a faceted starburst base. The glass is surmounted by a finely scalloped, petal-form sterling silver collar and a matching hinged domed cap, echoing the fluted contours of the glass base.
• Interior: Complete with its original inner glass insert intact.

Maker Information: John Grinsell & Sons (JG&S)

• Origins & History: The firm traces its roots back to 1864 when it was originally established as Grinsell & Bourne. In 1871, following the dissolution of that partnership, John Grinsell joined forces with his sons—Thomas Bywater, James Erazmus, Lorenzo, and Joseph Charles—re-forming the business under the name John Grinsell & Sons.
• Specialties & Trademark: While operating primary workshops and offices in Birmingham with a showroom presence in London, the company built an exceptional reputation for high-quality silver-mounted glassware, cut crystal desk accessories, luxury presentation pieces, biscuit boxes, and ceramic-fitted novelties. In 1879, they famously registered their corporate trademark depicting a “Cupid standing on a scroll”.
• Evolution: The highly successful enterprise transitioned to John Grinsell & Sons Ltd. in 1905 before eventually concluding its long operating history under the ownership of Barker Ellis & Co. Ltd.