REDUCED Antique Inkstand, Office Desk Accessories, Gifts for order Writers, Gifts for Antique Collectors

Antique Edwardian Desk Inkstand. Condition: very good antique condition with some surface marks of use. Period: 1900-1914 Size: 12 x 6 inches

This was probably designed for a ladies desk. There is a burnished walnut well whose natural grain shines through. This well was for holding the pen of a nib type which would be dipped into the ink; once quills went out of fashion after the 19th century. The inkstands were very often of fine craftsmanship and in common use until the adoption of the fountain pen began in the latter part of the 20th century, I believe.

The ink bottle is delightful. Thick and textural with a smooth walnut order flick-open stopper. It rests on a soft red fabric base.

The inkstand surround has a scrolling brass decoration and a brass rope effect on the edges. The edge of the wooden stand has been ebonised. Engravers use a hardened steel tool called a burin, or graver, to cut the design into the surface, most traditionally a copper plate.

Walnut (and black walnut) are hard, dense, tight-grained and polished to a very smooth finish. It is a popular and attractive wood whose colour ranges from near white in the sapwood to a dark hew in the heartwood. When dried in a kiln, walnut wood tends to develop a dull brown colour, but when air- dried can become a rich purplish-brown. Because of its colour, hardness and grain, it is a prized furniture and carving wood.

It stands on "bun" feet (images 9, 10). Reasonable offers are welcome on this item.

Delivery is worldwide, tracked.