Traveling Inkwell – Thumb Screw Clamp

Description

• Glass Inkwell: The circular clear glass body features deep, hand-cut hobnail (diamond point) decoration surrounding the exterior sides and extending across the base.
• Silver Mount & Engine Turning: The sterling silver top collar and hinged lid display intricate engine-turned wave patterns (guilloché).
• Monogram & Cartouche: A central circular, un-patterned silver cartouche on the lid is engraved with the elaborate Victorian script initials “C M M”.
• Travel Mechanism: Purpose-built for portability, the hinged top includes a secondary circular cover mechanism secured by an articulated thumb-screw clamp. The underside of the cap retains an internal leather seal designed to compress tightly over the glass neck to prevent ink leakage during transit.

Hallmarks & Identification

The hallmarks stamped directly into the engine-turned upper shoulder of the silver collar confirm its origin:

• Maker’s Mark: CR over WS for Charles Rawlings & William Summers
• Lion Passant: Standard mark for Sterling Silver (925/1000 purity)
• Leopard’s Head: Assay mark for London
• Date Letter: Gothic m indicating the year 1847
• Duty Mark: Sovereign’s head profile depicting Queen Victoria

Historical & Silversmith Background

• Silversmiths: Charles Rawlings initially registered his first mark at Goldsmiths’ Hall in 1817. In 1829, he formed a partnership with William Summers, operating from London until Rawlings’ passing in 1863, after which Summers continued the business through roughly 1890.
• Specialty: The firm of Rawlings & Summers achieved a high reputation in Victorian London for producing exceptional, luxury personal items—including snuff boxes, dressing cases, vinaigrettes, and traveling accoutrements—tailored for discerning gentlemen and high-society travelers.