Inkipedia
Sterling Silver Pen Wipe
| Categories | Accessories |
| Type | Pen Wipe |
| Material | Silver |
| Markings | See Narrative |
| Manufacturer | Comyns, William |
| Origin | England |
| Date or Era | circa 1900 |
| Measuring | 3 ⅛” x 1 ⅜” x 3 ¾” high |
Description
This is a sterling silver pen wipe, designed in an elegant, fan-like or semi-circular shape. It features:
- The Brush: A dense set of dark natural bristles (likely horsehair or hog hair) used to clean excess ink from the nib of a dip pen.
- The Stand: A vertical silver support that rises from the base, terminating in an Art Nouveau-style pen holder. The holder consists of three interlocking or looped silver rings, providing a secure place to hold a pen.
- The Base: A weighted, semi-circular silver mount that holds the bristles in place.
Hallmark Analysis
Looking closely at the marks on the side of the base, we can identify the following:
| Mark | Symbol | Description |
| Maker’s Mark | W.C | This is the mark for William Comyns & Sons, a prolific and highly regarded London silversmith known for high-quality decorative pieces. |
| Lion Passant | Lion | The “walking lion” confirms the piece is Sterling Silver (.925 purity). |
| Assay Office | Leopard’s Head | The uncrowned leopard’s head confirms it was assayed in London. |
| Date Letter | “e” | In the specific shield shape shown, the lowercase “e” represents the year 1900. |
Sold for $235 in January 2026
Content disclaimer. The information posted is the owner’s best knowledge and may not have been vetted by the SOIC. We welcome comments, corrections, and additions, working to make our website information comprehensive and accurate.
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