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A Superb & Rare Flight & Barr, Worcester Porcelain Inkstand C.1800
Fine Antique English Porcelain
for sale €4,505     $4,890
£3,850
Fine Antique English Porcelain

Fine Antique English Porcelain

Sellingantiques Verified Since Jun 2021
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    Jonathan purt is a specialist in fine antique english porcelain
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A Superb & Rare Flight & Barr, Worcester Porcelain Inkstand C.1800

18th century
Description

A superb & rare Flight & Barr, Worcester Porcelain Inkstand c.1800 - 05. Two flared pockets flanking the dolphin-form handle accommodating a removable candle sconce, a pair of quill-holders applied to the curved front, decorated to the front with a panel containing a selection of finely painted shells, corals and seaweed, against a shaded background, possibly by Samuel Smith, all reserved on a 'Barr's Orange' ground, heightened with geometric gold decoration and two panels either side containing a Lion's head.

14cm wide, incised 'B' marks to the base of the inkstand and lid. 

Condition: In excellent condition with just restoration to a minor chip to one of the flared pocket on the right. Slight wear to the gilding. 

A similar shape Inkstand from the Barr Collection is illustrated by Henry Sandon, Flight and Barr Worcester Porcelain (1978), p.54, pls.38-39.

A pair of jardinières were sold by Bonhams on 29 September 2021 - See https://www.bonhams.com/auction/27326/lot/58/a-pair-of-flight-and-barr-worcester-jardinieres-circa-1800/ - Where the auction house notes that the shell painting and the arrangement of the fine filaments of the seaweed is very similar to that on the documentary shell-painted jug by Samuel Smith, signed and dated 'S.S. 1807' and sold by Phillips, 16 December 1998, lot 360. See John Sandon, The Dictionary of Worcester Porcelain (1993), colour plate 77. It is most useful to compare these jardinières with the cabinet cup sold by Bonhams on 17 May 2017, lot 371. Not only is the purple shell almost identical to that on the present lot but the thick seaweed with dabs of white enamel to create surface texture is a distinctive and effective trait in each case. Both lots exhibit similar neoclassical 'Greek key' gilding at the rims. 

For more images, please visit www.fineantiqueenglishporcelain.co.uk

Declaration

Fine Antique English Porcelain has dated this Worcester Porcelain Inkstand to the Georgian era.

Reference Numbers
Sellingantiques Reference
SA1125060
Dealers Notes

Jonathan Purt is an online dealer in the finest Antique English Porcelain.

Worldwide shipping available. Please ask for a quote.

For a larger selection of stock, please visit my online shop:

www.fineantiqueenglishporcelain.co.uk

Description
A superb & rare Flight & Barr, Worcester Porcelain Inkstand c.1800 - 05. Two flared pockets flanking the dolphin-form handle accommodating a removable candle sconce, a pair of quill-holders applied to the curved front, decorated to the front with a panel containing a selection of finely painted shells, corals and seaweed, against a shaded background, possibly by Samuel Smith, all reserved on a 'Barr's Orange' ground, heightened with geometric gold decoration and two panels either side containing a Lion's head.

14cm wide, incised 'B' marks to the base of the inkstand and lid. 

Condition: In excellent condition with just restoration to a minor chip to one of the flared pocket on the right.
Fine Antique English Porcelain

Slight wear to the gilding. 

A similar shape Inkstand from the Barr Collection is illustrated by Henry Sandon, Flight and Barr Worcester Porcelain (1978), p.54, pls.38-39.

A pair of jardinières were sold by Bonhams on 29 September 2021 - See https://www.bonhams.com/auction/27326/lot/58/a-pair-of-flight-and-barr-worcester-jardinieres-circa-1800/ - Where the auction house notes that the shell painting and the arrangement of the fine filaments of the seaweed is very similar to that on the documentary shell-painted jug by Samuel Smith, signed and dated 'S.S. 1807' and sold by Phillips, 16 December 1998, lot 360. See John Sandon, The Dictionary of Worcester Porcelain (1993), colour plate 77. It is most useful to compare these jardinières with the cabinet cup sold by Bonhams on 17 May 2017, lot 371. Not only is the purple shell almost identical to that on the present lot but the thick seaweed with dabs of white enamel to create surface texture is a distinctive and effective trait in each case. Both lots exhibit similar neoclassical 'Greek key' gilding at the rims. 

For more images, please visit www.fineantiqueenglishporcelain.co.uk

Date of Manufacture

Fine Antique English Porcelain has dated this Worcester Porcelain Inkstand to the Georgian era.

Reference Numbers
Sellingantiques Ref
SA1125060
Fine Antique English Porcelain
Fine Antique English Porcelain
Sellingantiques verified Since Jun 2021

Jonathan purt is a specialist in fine antique english porcelain

Dealer Profile

You can view the stock and full dealer information on the Fine Antique English Porcelain Profile Page

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An early nineteenth-century Worcester porcelain inkstand featuring hand-painted seashell panels, orange Greek key borders, gilded accents, and a central candle sconce.
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Archive I An early nineteenth-century Worcester porcelain inkstand featuring hand-painted seashell panels, orange Greek key borders, gilded accents, and a central candle sconce.

A superb & rare Flight & Barr, Worcester Porcelain Inkstand c.1800

Enlarged Archival View
Telephone 07791 358757
Location
Exeter
Devon
United Kingdom
Verified Since Jun 2021
Items For Sale 75
Items Sold 41
Fine Antique English Porcelain
Fine Antique English Porcelain
Verified Since Jun 2021
View Dealer Info
Location: Exeter, Devon, United Kingdom
Verified
Jun 2021
For Sale
75
Sold
41
An early nineteenth-century Worcester porcelain inkstand featuring hand-painted seashell panels, orange Greek key borders, gilded accents, and a central candle sconce.
A superb & rare Flight & Barr, Worcester Porcelain Inkstand c.1800
Ref: SA1125060
An early nineteenth-century Worcester porcelain inkstand featuring hand-painted seashell panels, orange Greek key borders, gilded accents, and a central candle sconce.
Archival Detail
Every single antique dealer on our platform is individually approved by our internal team. We verify their professional trade history, ethical standards, and photographic quality to ensure a secure, high-standard buying environment. Upon joining, every dealer agrees to a strict 9-point code of conduct. While issues can occasionally arise, our dealers typically resolve them swiftly and directly with the buyer. In fact, since our founding in 2002, Sellingantiques has only had to step in to help resolve an issue on roughly five occasions—a true testament to the quality of our dealers and their dedication to your happiness.
Our dealers are highly experienced in packing and shipping fragile, high-value antiques. Because you are in direct contact with the dealer, you will be able to easily go through all available shipping and insurance options together to ensure your item arrives safely.
Antiques are the ultimate green purchase. By choosing historical pieces over newly manufactured goods, you completely eliminate the carbon footprint of modern mass production while preserving exceptional, timeless craftsmanship.

Produced during the late eighteenth and early nineteenth centuries in Worcester, England, these inkstands represent the height of Georgian desktop luxury. The Flight & Barr period is renowned for sophisticated gilding, classical forms, and finely painted enamel decoration.

These pieces were typically manufactured from soft-paste or hybrid hard-paste porcelain, decorated with hand-applied enamel paints and leaf gilding. Components often included integrated candle sconces, quill sockets, and removable inkwells with covers.

Authentic pieces frequently bear incised marks such as B or Flight, or painted manufacturer names on the underside. Examination of the hand-painted details, precise gilding quality, and characteristic soft-paste translucent body helps distinguish genuine items from later reproductions.

An antique porcelain inkstand serves as an intriguing focal point when placed on an executive office desk, library table, or living room console. It complements classical furniture while introducing fine craftsmanship and colour to modern desk spaces.

Dust gently with a clean, dry, soft-bristled brush or microfibre cloth. Avoid immersion in water, chemical cleaners, or abrasive materials, as these can wear away fragile surface enamels and gilded leaf details.
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