Sterling Silver Repoussé Traveling Inkwell

This piece is a high-quality sterling silver traveling inkwell, made by the firm of Theodore B. Starr of New York, and bearing the date 1886. Designed for portability, it combines ornate decorative work with practical functionality.

Exterior (Outer Casing): The inkwell presents as a compact, square case with rounded corners. Its entire exterior surface, including the body and the main hinged lid, is adorned with intricate repoussé work. This detailed relief decoration features a dense, naturalistic foliate and floral pattern, showcasing various blossoms, leaves, and winding vines.

Opening Mechanism and Interior: A round button is centrally located on the front of the inkwell. This button is the release for the spring-loaded main lid, which, when pressed, smoothly pops open to reveal the interior. The underside of this outer lid maintains the same repoussé floral decoration as its exterior.

Interior and Glass Inkwell: Upon opening the main lid, one finds a domed silver lid for the inkwell securely held within. This domed lid is also embellished with matching repoussé floral and leafy patterns. Once this inner lid is opened, it reveals a clear glass ink bottle.

Hallmarks and Attribution: The underside of the inkwell is clearly impressed with these markings:

• “STERLING“: Confirming the high purity of the silver (92.5%).
• “THEODORE B. STARR“: This identifies the renowned American jeweler and silversmith, Theodore B. Starr. Starr was active in New York City from 1862 and was celebrated for his high-quality jewelry and sterling silver goods that catered to a discerning clientele.
• Monogram: An elaborate, intertwined monogram is also present.
• “1886“: A clearly impressed numerical mark indicates the year of manufacture, 1886. This date aligns perfectly with Theodore B. Starr’s period of operation and the artistic trends of late 19th-century American silversmithing.