What is a Georgian silver inkstand?

A Georgian silver inkstand is a desktop writing accessory crafted during the Georgian era (17141830), designed to hold inkwells, pouncers or sanders, and writing quills. These items reflected the literacy and status of the owner, featuring detailed silversmithing such as gadrooned rims and engraved crests.

What materials were typically used in Regency silver inkstands?

Regency inkstands were predominantly constructed from sterling silver, incorporating decorative elements like shell motifs and fluted borders. The fitted containers for ink and powder were typically made from heavy cut crystal or glass with sterling silver tops.

How can you identify an authentic 1813 London silver inkstand?

Authentic pieces bear a complete set of British hallmarks struck into the tray and silver lids, including the lion passant for sterling purity, the leopards head for the London assay office, the sovereigns duty mark, the makers mark, and the date letter S corresponding to 1813.

How can an antique silver inkstand be styled in a modern interior?

An antique silver inkstand can be styled as a functional focal point on an executive office desk, a library console table, or a study sideboard. It serves effectively as a refined organiser for contemporary pens, paperclips, and desk items.

How should antique solid silver inkstands and glass pots be cleaned and preserved?

Silver components should be lightly dusted with a soft microfibre cloth and cleaned occasionally using specialized silver polish to prevent tarnish build-up around hallmarks. Cut glass pots should be hand-washed separately in warm, soapy water and dried thoroughly before replacement.

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A Magnificent Large (1kg+) Antique Georgian Solid Silver Inkstand Regency Design - London 1813

Name: A Magnificent Large (1kg+) Antique Georgian Solid Silver Inkstand Regency Design - London 1813
Brand: Antique
SKU: SA1127636
Price: 6500 GBP
Availability: InStock

19th century

For Sale by Artisan Antiques

Description

We are delighted to offer this spectacular solid silver inkstand made in London in 1813 with marks for Edward Fernell.

Large in presence, constructed with tremendous quality and quintessentially Regency, this inkstand presents exemplary qualities and desirable traits of the finest Georgian/Regency silversmithing & classical design.

Whilst a Rococo or more ornate design may have presented artistic flair, there is something undeniably aesthetic and elegant about classical Regency design with its heavily gadrooned border with a contrasting understated plain silver surface.

It lends itself to perhaps a more classical and professional setting - one can imagine that such an inkstand may have sat on a significant individual's desk, such as a diplomat or perhaps that of a shrewd lawyer.

Its generous proportions which are larger than normal inkstands lends itself nicely to the above, exuding a quintessentially British quality of understated yet unwavering boldness and steadiness. The expression "the pen is mightier than the sword" comes to mind upon viewing such an inkstand with a rational yet elegant design - almost as if to reflect the philosophy or as a visual aid to conduct oneself with conviction yet modesty.

The inkstand presents two grooves which can be used to rest pens in the modern day, or perhaps, should one wish to get creative, it could also be used as a form of a cigar tray etc.

The three beautiful cut glass jars are also fitted with matching silver mounts, with a pounce pot on one side and the inkwell (for a quill back then) on the other. Further decorations can be seen around the corners and feet, where foliate motifs accentuate its overall appearance and are a testament to its overall intricate craftsmanship and quality.

Whilst this piece would make for a fabulous centrepiece attraction on a table or display, it may equally be used practically in the modern-day just as it was intended in the past. Whether be it on a work desk or at home study for a creative writer, this inkstand not only presents a wonderful design but may be an ideal symbolic piece for someone special.

The stand is fully marked with English hallmarks on the base with matching marks on each component.

A distinguished piece for the discerning individual and an exemplary piece of fine Georgian silverware.

*All images with other items are for display purposes; this listing is for the title item only.

Size

Size (cm) L:30cm W:23cm

Size (inches) L:11.8 W:9.05

Weight: 1kg (32.1 Troy oz) silver weight.

Condition

Great Condition - The stand is in overall great antique condition with no major issues. There is one small gap/hole near one of the pot's bases and very minor wear to the glass (as shown in the last image). This is hardly noticeable owing to its overall scale and only mentioned for accuracy.

We aim to overemphasize and state these issues (if any) to avoid disappointment and thus please rest assured they are not significant nor affect the usage of the items.

Please refer to the photographs to examine the condition in further detail.

Free Shipping

Artisan Antiques offers free global shipping with professional, secure and discreet packaging.

We will always ensure your items are packaged with the utmost care and see the delivery through to the end. In the very rare and unfortunate case of non-delivery/courier loss, you are fully covered with us and we will fully refund you.

*All parcels are insured - please rest assured all shipping liabilities other than import/customs duty are covered by Artisan Antiques.

*Colours of the product may slightly differ from the photos due to different computer screens & lighting conditions*

Price negotiations may be possible under certain criteria, please contact us via telephone (07578761640) or email (info@artisanantiques.net)

Declaration

Artisan Antiques has dated this Georgian Solid Silver Inkstand to the Regency era.

Reference Numbers

Sellingantiques Reference

SA1127636

Dealers Notes

We strive to provide inimitable first-class service with your needs and satisfaction as our number one priority.

Description

We are delighted to offer this spectacular solid silver inkstand made in London in 1813 with marks for Edward Fernell.

Large in presence, constructed with tremendous quality and quintessentially Regency, this inkstand presents exemplary qualities and desirable traits of the finest Georgian/Regency silversmithing & classical design.

fig 1. A rectangular Regency sterling silver inkstand featuring gadrooned borders, shell corners, two pen depressions, and three cut glass pots with silver lids. — fig 1. A Magnificent Large (1kg+) Antique Georgian Solid Silver Inkstand Regency Design - London 1813

Whilst a Rococo or more ornate design may have presented artistic flair, there is something undeniably aesthetic and elegant about classical Regency design with its heavily gadrooned border with a contrasting understated plain silver surface.

fig 2. A rectangular Regency sterling silver inkstand featuring gadrooned borders, shell corners, two pen depressions, and three cut glass pots with silver lids. — fig 2. A Magnificent Large (1kg+) Antique Georgian Solid Silver Inkstand Regency Design - London 1813

It lends itself to perhaps a more classical and professional setting - one can imagine that such an inkstand may have sat on a significant individual's desk, such as a diplomat or perhaps that of a shrewd lawyer.

“

Its generous proportions which are larger than normal inkstands lends itself nicely to the above, exuding a quintessentially British quality of understated yet unwavering boldness and steadiness.

Artisan Antiques

The expression "the pen is mightier than the sword" comes to mind upon viewing such an inkstand with a rational yet elegant design - almost as if to reflect the philosophy or as a visual aid to conduct oneself with conviction yet modesty.

fig 3. A rectangular Regency sterling silver inkstand featuring gadrooned borders, shell corners, two pen depressions, and three cut glass pots with silver lids. — fig 3. A Magnificent Large (1kg+) Antique Georgian Solid Silver Inkstand Regency Design - London 1813

The inkstand presents two grooves which can be used to rest pens in the modern day, or perhaps, should one wish to get creative, it could also be used as a form of a cigar tray etc.

The three beautiful cut glass jars are also fitted with matching silver mounts, with a pounce pot on one side and the inkwell (for a quill back then) on the other. Further decorations can be seen around the corners and feet, where foliate motifs accentuate its overall appearance and are a testament to its overall intricate craftsmanship and quality.

fig 4. A rectangular Regency sterling silver inkstand featuring gadrooned borders, shell corners, two pen depressions, and three cut glass pots with silver lids. — fig 4. A Magnificent Large (1kg+) Antique Georgian Solid Silver Inkstand Regency Design - London 1813

Whilst this piece would make for a fabulous centrepiece attraction on a table or display, it may equally be used practically in the modern-day just as it was intended in the past. Whether be it on a work desk or at home study for a creative writer, this inkstand not only presents a wonderful design but may be an ideal symbolic piece for someone special.

fig 5. A rectangular Regency sterling silver inkstand featuring gadrooned borders, shell corners, two pen depressions, and three cut glass pots with silver lids. — fig 5. A Magnificent Large (1kg+) Antique Georgian Solid Silver Inkstand Regency Design - London 1813

The stand is fully marked with English hallmarks on the base with matching marks on each component.

A distinguished piece for the discerning individual and an exemplary piece of fine Georgian silverware.

fig 6. A rectangular Regency sterling silver inkstand featuring gadrooned borders, shell corners, two pen depressions, and three cut glass pots with silver lids. — fig 6. A Magnificent Large (1kg+) Antique Georgian Solid Silver Inkstand Regency Design - London 1813

All images with other items are for display purposes; this listing is for the title item only.

Size

Size (cm) L:30cm W:23cm

Size (inches) L:11.8 W:9.05

Weight: 1kg (32.1 Troy oz) silver weight.

Condition

Great Condition - The stand is in overall great antique condition with no major issues. There is one small gap/hole near one of the pot's bases and very minor wear to the glass (as shown in the last image). This is hardly noticeable owing to its overall scale and only mentioned for accuracy.

fig 7. A rectangular Regency sterling silver inkstand featuring gadrooned borders, shell corners, two pen depressions, and three cut glass pots with silver lids. — fig 7. A Magnificent Large (1kg+) Antique Georgian Solid Silver Inkstand Regency Design - London 1813

We aim to overemphasize and state these issues (if any) to avoid disappointment and thus please rest assured they are not significant nor affect the usage of the items.

Please refer to the photographs to examine the condition in further detail.

fig 8. A rectangular Regency sterling silver inkstand featuring gadrooned borders, shell corners, two pen depressions, and three cut glass pots with silver lids. — fig 8. A Magnificent Large (1kg+) Antique Georgian Solid Silver Inkstand Regency Design - London 1813

Free Shipping

Artisan Antiques offers free global shipping with professional, secure and discreet packaging.

We will always ensure your items are packaged with the utmost care and see the delivery through to the end. In the very rare and unfortunate case of non-delivery/courier loss, you are fully covered with us and we will fully refund you.