Triangular Silver-plated Inkstand with Lions

Description

• The Structure: The stand features a triangular (trilateral) base with incurved sides. This geometric form was popular in the late 19th century for executive desks as it allowed for a 360-degree decorative profile.
• The Lions: Each of the three points is anchored by a cast sitting lion. The lions are separate castings that have been bolted to the base from the underside.
• The Glassware: The central focal point is a heavy cut-crystal inkwell featuring deep diamond and miter cuts. It is topped with a hinged silver-plated lid decorated with a radiant starburst pattern and a formal urn-shaped finial.
• Ornamentation: The gallery edge of the stand is decorated with a repeating anthemion or palmette border, a hallmark of the Greek Revival influence on Victorian design.

Identification of Marks and Manufacturer

Based on the markings on the underside: this inkstand was manufactured by Walker & Hall of Sheffield, England.

• The Maker’s Mark: The stamp featuring the letters “W” and “H” inside a flag (the company’s “pennant” logo) is the unmistakable mark of Walker & Hall.
• The Registration Number: The stamped number “0649” is a design or pattern number used by the factory to track this specific model in their catalogs.
• Other Stamps: The small circular stamps likely denote the specific plating quality (such as “A1” for the highest grade) and the city of manufacture, Sheffield.

Estimated Age

• Circa 1885–1900.
• The style of the lion castings and the specific Walker & Hall pennant logo were most prevalent during the Late Victorian era. During this time, Walker & Hall was one of the largest silver and plate manufacturers in the world, holding several Royal Warrants and specializing in grand presentation pieces for the British Empire’s professional class.