Whimsical Cat Inkwell

Description

This is a combination inkstand and pen tray.

• Subject & Form: The inkstand features the bust of a whimsical, anthropomorphic cat with its front paws raised to serve as a pen rest. The cat’s head is hinged at the back of the neck and flips open to reveal the well for the missing glass or ceramic insert.
• The “Bib”: The wide, flared cloth structure draped below its neck is a napkin or a waiter’s apron. The cat is holding a wide, flat tray or platter in front of it, which serves as the pen tray for holding nibs or paperclips. This whimsical “animal servant” motif—dressing pets as house staff, waiters, or babies—was popular in late 19th-century decorative arts.
• Materials & Construction: The piece is cast from a non-ferrous white metal alloy (spelter or pot metal) or cold-cast lead/zinc alloy, which has been hollow-cast. It features inset amber glass eyes with black pupils.
• Condition & Finish: The piece retains remnants of its original “cold-painted” finish (polychrome enamel paints applied directly to the metal without firing). You can see distinct traces of a red collar/bow, white fur accents, and a dark/patterned apron. The hand-written “RH/84” on the bottom is an inventory or collector’s mark, not a manufacturer stamp.

Origin and Era

• Where it was made: This style of cold-painted, glass-eyed figural metalware was commonly produced in Germany (centered around Nuremberg and Berlin) or Austria (Vienna). Prominent firms like Hugo Wurster or various Austrian cold-painted bronze/spelter foundries specialized in these exact types of anthropomorphic animal desk novelties.
• When it was made: It dates firmly to the late Victorian era, circa 1880–1900. This was the golden age for whimsical, narrative desk accessories before the widespread adoption of fountain pens began phasing out traditional open inkwells.