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ID #SA1158242
FOR SALE
£3,950
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Antique Victorian Sterling Silver Novelty Inkwell (1885)
AC Silver
for sale €4,622     $5,017
£3,950
AC Silver

AC Silver

Sellingantiques Verified Since Apr 2009
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    Welcome to ac silver antique silver and antique jewellery specialists since 1977
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    AC Silver is a registered member of LAPADA  CINOA
Id #SA1158242
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Antique Victorian Sterling Silver Novelty Inkwell (1885)

19th century
For Sale by AC Silver
Description

An exceptional, fine and impressive antique Victorian English sterling silver novelty inkwell; an addition to our novelty silverware collection.

This exceptional, fine and impressive antique Victorian cast sterling silver inkwell has been realistically modelled in the form of a portly gentleman reading a letter, seated in a studded armchair.

The Victorian silver male figure is embellished with details replicating his waistcoat attire and illustrative anatomical features.

This antique ink bottle is fitted with a hinged cover, comprised of the gent's head and chest.

This rare seated ornamented surmounts a square base ornamented with simulated rug detail and bearing the engraved inscription 'Where can that be from, Binjimin?'* to the anterior rim.

This whimsical yet refined Victorian novelty silver inkwell is equally suited to practical use or display. An ideal gift for writers, collectors or those who cherish distinctive desk accessories.

* This phrase is taken from the second line in Chapter VII from the book Handley Cross or Mr. Jorrocks's Hunt, by Robert Smith Surtees. The figure portrayed in this novelty inkwell is 'Mr Jorrocks', a great city grocer of the old school, evoking the charm, expertise and distinctive character of a bygone era in British business.

Condition

This antique silver inkwell is a superior gauge of silver, exceptional quality and in exceptional condition.

The cast decoration is all very sharp.

Full hallmarks struck to the rim of the base are all very clear.

Reflections in photographs may detract from the true representation of this example of Victorian silverware.

Dimensions

Length from front to back 7.2cm/2.83'

Width 6.7cm/2.64'

Height 8.5cm/3.35'

Weight

9.3 troy ounces/288.2g

Maker: Thomas Johnson II

Date: 1885

Origin: London, England

A video is available upon request.

Physical Dimensions
Height
8.5cm (3.35")
Width
6.7cm (2.64")
Depth
7.2cm (2.83")
Declaration

AC Silver has dated this Victorian Silver Novelty Inkwell to the 1880s.

Reference Numbers
Sellingantiques Reference
SA1158242
Dealers Internal Reference
C9334
Dealers Notes

PLEASE NOTE: AC Silver takes pride in offering only quality items for sale.

This pride in quality includes the professional, efficient and personal service extended to all AC Silver customers.

All items purchased usually dispatched within 24 hours following cleared payment.

All items are professionally and securely packaged, sent FREE of charge and are FULLY INSURED during transit.

FREE worldwide international deliveries are via FedEx International Priority Service.

AC Silver is pleased to provide a 30-day money back guarantee.

Description
An exceptional, fine and impressive antique Victorian English sterling silver novelty inkwell; an addition to our novelty silverware collection.
This exceptional, fine and impressive antique Victorian cast sterling silver inkwell has been realistically modelled in the form of a portly gentleman reading a letter, seated in a studded armchair.
AC Silver
fig 1. A Victorian sterling silver novelty inkwell shaped as a seated man in an armchair reading a document upon an engraved rectangular base.
fig 1. Antique Victorian Sterling Silver Novelty Inkwell (1885)

The Victorian silver male figure is embellished with details replicating his waistcoat attire and illustrative anatomical features.

This antique ink bottle is fitted with a hinged cover, comprised of the gent's head and chest.

fig 2. A Victorian sterling silver novelty inkwell shaped as a seated man in an armchair reading a document upon an engraved rectangular base.
fig 2. Antique Victorian Sterling Silver Novelty Inkwell (1885)

This rare seated ornamented surmounts a square base ornamented with simulated rug detail and bearing the engraved inscription 'Where can that be from, Binjimin?'* to the anterior rim.

This whimsical yet refined Victorian novelty silver inkwell is equally suited to practical use or display. An ideal gift for writers, collectors or those who cherish distinctive desk accessories.

fig 3. A Victorian sterling silver novelty inkwell shaped as a seated man in an armchair reading a document upon an engraved rectangular base.
fig 3. Antique Victorian Sterling Silver Novelty Inkwell (1885)

This phrase is taken from the second line in Chapter VII from the book Handley Cross or Mr. Jorrocks's Hunt, by Robert Smith Surtees. The figure portrayed in this novelty inkwell is 'Mr Jorrocks', a great city grocer of the old school, evoking the charm, expertise and distinctive character of a bygone era in British business.

fig 4. A Victorian sterling silver novelty inkwell shaped as a seated man in an armchair reading a document upon an engraved rectangular base.
fig 4. Antique Victorian Sterling Silver Novelty Inkwell (1885)

Condition

This antique silver inkwell is a superior gauge of silver, exceptional quality and in exceptional condition.

The cast decoration is all very sharp.

Full hallmarks struck to the rim of the base are all very clear.

fig 5. A Victorian sterling silver novelty inkwell shaped as a seated man in an armchair reading a document upon an engraved rectangular base.
fig 5. Antique Victorian Sterling Silver Novelty Inkwell (1885)

Reflections in photographs may detract from the true representation of this example of Victorian silverware.

Dimensions

Length from front to back 7.2cm/2.83'

Width 6.7cm/2.64'

Height 8.5cm/3.35'

Weight

9.3 troy ounces/288.2g

Maker: Thomas Johnson II

Date: 1885

Origin: London, England

A video is available upon request.

Height
8.5cm (3.35")
Width
6.7cm (2.64")
Depth
7.2cm (2.83")
Date of Manufacture

AC Silver has dated this Victorian Silver Novelty Inkwell to the 1880s.

Reference Numbers
Sellingantiques Ref
SA1158242
Dealers Internal Ref
C9334
AC Silver
AC Silver
Sellingantiques verified Since Apr 2009

Welcome to ac silver antique silver and antique jewellery specialists since 1977

Dealer Profile

You can view the stock and full dealer information on the AC Silver Profile Page

Trade Associations

AC Silver is a registered member of LAPADA  CINOA

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A Victorian sterling silver novelty inkwell shaped as a seated man in an armchair reading a document upon an engraved rectangular base.
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Archive I A Victorian sterling silver novelty inkwell shaped as a seated man in an armchair reading a document upon an engraved rectangular base.

Antique Victorian Sterling Silver Novelty Inkwell (1885)

Archive II A Victorian sterling silver novelty inkwell shaped as a seated man in an armchair reading a document upon an engraved rectangular base. View II
Archive III A Victorian sterling silver novelty inkwell shaped as a seated man in an armchair reading a document upon an engraved rectangular base. View III
Archive IV A Victorian sterling silver novelty inkwell shaped as a seated man in an armchair reading a document upon an engraved rectangular base. View IV
Archive V A Victorian sterling silver novelty inkwell shaped as a seated man in an armchair reading a document upon an engraved rectangular base. View V
Archive VI A Victorian sterling silver novelty inkwell shaped as a seated man in an armchair reading a document upon an engraved rectangular base. View VI
Archive VII A Victorian sterling silver novelty inkwell shaped as a seated man in an armchair reading a document upon an engraved rectangular base. View VII
Archive VIII A Victorian sterling silver novelty inkwell shaped as a seated man in an armchair reading a document upon an engraved rectangular base. View VIII
Archive IX A Victorian sterling silver novelty inkwell shaped as a seated man in an armchair reading a document upon an engraved rectangular base. View IX
Archive X A Victorian sterling silver novelty inkwell shaped as a seated man in an armchair reading a document upon an engraved rectangular base. View X
Archive XI A Victorian sterling silver novelty inkwell shaped as a seated man in an armchair reading a document upon an engraved rectangular base. View XI
Archive XII A Victorian sterling silver novelty inkwell shaped as a seated man in an armchair reading a document upon an engraved rectangular base. View XII
Archive XIII A Victorian sterling silver novelty inkwell shaped as a seated man in an armchair reading a document upon an engraved rectangular base. View XIII
Enlarged Archival View
Telephone 0191 240 2645
Location
35B St Georges Terrace
Jesmond
Newcastle Upon Tyne
Tyne and Wear
NE2 2SU
United Kingdom
Dealer Profile Page sellingantiques.co.uk/ac
Verified Since Apr 2009
Items For Sale 455
Items Sold 107
AC Silver
AC Silver
Verified Since Apr 2009
View Dealer Info
Location: 35B St Georges Terrace, Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne, Tyne and Wear, NE2 2SU, United Kingdom
Verified
Apr 2009
For Sale
455
Sold
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A Victorian sterling silver novelty inkwell shaped as a seated man in an armchair reading a document upon an engraved rectangular base.
Antique Victorian Sterling Silver Novelty Inkwell (1885)
Ref: SA1158242
A Victorian sterling silver novelty inkwell shaped as a seated man in an armchair reading a document upon an engraved rectangular base.
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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.

Victorian novelty silver desk accessories are decorative writing items crafted in whimsical or figurative shapes, such as animals, human figures, or functional everyday objects, gaining wide popularity in the late nineteenth century.

These items were predominantly cast in sterling silver or electroplated silver, frequently featuring inner glass or porcelain liners to contain the ink and protect the metal from corrosion.

Authentic British sterling silver displays a complete set of hallmarks stamped into the metal, including the lion passant for silver purity, a town mark, a specific date letter, and a makers mark.

An antique silver inkwell serves as a refined sculptural object when styled atop a writing desk, modern sideboard, or curated bookshelf within a home study or library.

Clean sterling silver using a soft, lint-free cloth and specialized silver polish or foam, taking care to avoid abrasive scrubbing on delicate cast details or engraved surface inscriptions.
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