Taxidermy – Horse Hoof Inkstand

Overview & Composition

This unique desktop inkstand is made from a large horse hoof (Equus caballus). The natural horn of the hoof has been preserved and polished to a warm, honey-brown semi-gloss finish, showcasing its authentic growth lines and character textures.

Desktop Fitting (The Plinth)

• The Cap: The top of the hoof is capped with a thick, contoured oak plinth with a rich, dark stain.
• Pen Groove: A smooth, integrated horizontal groove is carved directly across the center of the wood to serve as a convenient pen rest.
• Name Plaque: Mounted on the front slope of the wooden plinth is an engraved silver-toned metal plaque secured by four pins. It features the horse’s name, “Jester”, etched in an cursive script.

The Inkwell Mechanism

• Design: Positioned at the rear of the plinth is a high-shine, chrome-plated spherical inkwell.
• Roll-Back Lid: Instead of a traditional hinged cap, this inkstand utilizes a sophisticated mechanical design where the hemispherical dome lid smoothly rolls back into the body of the fitting to reveal the well opening.
• Backing: The rear structural assembly supporting this mechanism is visible as a flush, inset wooden block at the heel of the hoof.

Underneath & Hardware

• Horseshoe: The base of the hoof is shod with a fitted, polished chrome-plated horseshoe that wraps around the front wall.
• Under Clapping: The underside shows the reflective horseshoe complete with faux nail-hole detailing, framing a sealed, blackened sole and a stylized wooden frog insert.