Victorian Gilt Brass & Crystal Inkstand

1. The Crystal Inkwell

• Form: This is a massive “chamfered cube” of clear lead crystal. The “cut” refers to the deep bevels on the corners which catch the light. This heavy, geometric style is typical of the English Stourbridge glassmakers (like Walsh or Stevens & Williams) from the 1880s–1900s.
• Mounts: It features a brass collar and a hinged lid.

2. The Base

• Material: Cast brass with an Ormolu (gilded) finish.
• Design: The style is Rococo Revival, featuring pierced scrollwork and floral motifs. The two raised hooks are a “pen rack” specifically designed to hold a pen. In these pictures, it holds a Mr. Punch letter opener.

3. The Letter Opener: Mr. Punch The figure on the handle of this letter opener is Mr. Punch, the famous, anarchic puppet from the traditional British “Punch and Judy” shows.

• Why: The profile is unmistakable—the prominent hooked nose that nearly meets the upturned chin, the hunched posture, and the jester’s cap are the classic iconographic features of Mr. Punch.
• Context: Mr. Punch was a wildly popular motif in Victorian England for “novelty” brass items, often appearing on pipe tampers, doorstops, and desk accessories like this. Finding him here strongly confirms the English origin of the set.

Summary:

A fine late 19th-century English inkstand featuring a heavy, chamfered cube of clear-cut lead crystal mounted with a hinged brass collar. The crystal sits within a square, gilt brass (ormolu) stand decorated with pierced Rococo scrollwork and floral motifs.

Accessories: The stand features an integrated rack holding a matching cast brass letter opener. The handle is modeled as a caricature bust of Mr. Punch (of Punch & Judy fame), featuring his distinctive hooked nose and jester cap.