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A Novelty Small Silver 'Bell' Inkwell
Sold by Jeff Sims Antiques
sold SA1181871
Sorry, but this item has been sold.
Jeff Sims Antiques

Jeff Sims Antiques

Sellingantiques Verified Since Jan 2010
Browse dealers 150 items
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    Antique silver, glass, jewellery and object de vertu.
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Id #SA1181871
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A Novelty Small Silver 'Bell' Inkwell

1900 - 1920
Sold 16 October 2026 · Jeff Sims Antiques
This “Novelty Small Silver 'Bell' Inkwell” found a buyer.

It was listed by Jeff Sims Antiques. Sold pieces stay on Sellingantiques as a record of what has passed through, and the next one is rarely far away.

Find more for sale
Antique Ink StandNovelty Silver InkwellSilver Ink Pot Ask the dealer for something similar
Description

A charming and small, early George V novelty silver 'Bell' Inkwell. This attractive example has a weighted base for stability and a hinged lid, with an Art Deco style thumb grip. Inside is a removable glass inkwell liner. A delightful piece, both decorative and usable. Dimensions below.

Postage and packing £10.00 UK

£18.00 Europe

£40.00 USA (including 10% tariff)

£28.00 Outside Europe

Condition :- Excellent, with no dents or splits.

Hallmarks :- Softening but readable - full marks to body, part mark to inside of lid.

Date :- Birmingham 1912.

Maker :- A & J Zimmerman.

Base diameter :- 6 cms.

Height :- 6 cms. (lid closed).

Date of Manufacture

Jeff Sims Antiques has dated this Silver Bell Novelty Inkwell to the 1910s.

Physical Dimensions
Height
6cm (2.36")
Width
6cm (2.36")
Depth
6cm (2.36")
Reference Numbers
Sellingantiques Reference
SA1181871
Dealers Internal Reference
13377
Dealers Notes

Payment by BANK TRANSFER (preferred),DEBIT/CREDIT CARD, or PAYPAL. Great care is taken with packing and only 'signed for or tracked' postal options are used, where available. In the UK, Royal Mail Special Delivery is used, which is both fully insured against loss or damage and guaranteed next day (excluding weekends). If an item goes missing, or is damaged in the post, all available assistance will be offered to make a claim against the provider. Loss or damage in transit, is NOT the responsibility of the seller.

IMPORTANT PLEASE NOTE. Due to the imposition by some countries of an import tariff - an additional charge may be required to prepay tax duty. Please be aware of this if purchasing from overseas. If this additional charge is not acceptable, please do not proceed with the purchase.

Returns are accepted if the item has undisclosed damage at point of sale, or has been seriously mis-described. Buyer pays all costs. If you are not certain that you will be completely happy with the item, please do not purchase it. Care has been taken to ensure that items are accurately described and photographed - if any further information is required please ask.

PLEASE CONTACT ME TO PROVIDE CARD DETAILS OR REQUEST BANK DETAILS. PLEASE ADD POSTAGE FOR PAYPAL AND PRESS PAYPAL OPTION. If there is anything more we can do to help, please ask. We would like your experience with us to be a happy one and will always try to be accommodating.

Thank you for your interest.

Description
A charming and small, early George V novelty silver 'Bell' Inkwell.
“
This attractive example has a weighted base for stability and a hinged lid, with an Art Deco style thumb grip.
Jeff Sims Antiques

Inside is a removable glass inkwell liner. A delightful piece, both decorative and usable. Dimensions below.

fig 1. A polished silver novelty inkwell designed in the shape of a bell with a hinged lid and top loop handle resting on a grey surface.
fig 1. A Novelty Small Silver 'Bell' Inkwell

Postage and packing £10.00 UK

£18.00 Europe

£40.00 USA (including 10% tariff)

£28.00 Outside Europe

Condition :- Excellent, with no dents or splits.

Hallmarks :- Softening but readable - full marks to body, part mark to inside of lid.

Date :- Birmingham 1912.

Maker :- A & J Zimmerman.

Base diameter :- 6 cms.

Height :- 6 cms. (lid closed).

Date of Manufacture

Jeff Sims Antiques has dated this Silver Bell Novelty Inkwell to the 1910s.

Height
6cm (2.36")
Width
6cm (2.36")
Depth
6cm (2.36")
Reference Numbers
Sellingantiques Ref
SA1181871
Dealers Internal Ref
13377
Jeff Sims Antiques
Jeff Sims Antiques
Sellingantiques verified Since Jan 2010

Antique silver, glass, jewellery and object de vertu.

Dealer Profile

You can view the stock and full dealer information on the Jeff Sims Antiques Profile Page

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A polished silver novelty inkwell designed in the shape of a bell with a hinged lid and top loop handle resting on a grey surface. SOLD16 OCT 26
1 / 6
Archive I A polished silver novelty inkwell designed in the shape of a bell with a hinged lid and top loop handle resting on a grey surface. SOLD16 OCT 26

A Novelty Small Silver 'Bell' Inkwell

Archive II A polished silver novelty inkwell designed in the shape of a bell with a hinged lid and top loop handle resting on a grey surface. View II
Archive III A polished silver novelty inkwell designed in the shape of a bell with a hinged lid and top loop handle resting on a grey surface. View III
Archive IV A polished silver novelty inkwell designed in the shape of a bell with a hinged lid and top loop handle resting on a grey surface. View IV
Archive V A polished silver novelty inkwell designed in the shape of a bell with a hinged lid and top loop handle resting on a grey surface. View V
Archive VI A polished silver novelty inkwell designed in the shape of a bell with a hinged lid and top loop handle resting on a grey surface. View VI
Enlarged Archival View
Jeff Sims Antiques

Jeff Sims Antiques
Telephone 07711 373 683
Location
Suffolk,
United Kingdom
Dealer Profile Page sellingantiques.co.uk/jeffsims
Verified Since Jan 2010
Items For Sale 150
Items Sold 4,500
Jeff Sims Antiques
Jeff Sims Antiques
Verified Since Jan 2010
View Dealer Info
Location: Suffolk,, United Kingdom
Profile: sellingantiques.co.uk/jeffsims
Verified
Jan 2010
For Sale
150
Sold
4,500
A polished silver novelty inkwell designed in the shape of a bell with a hinged lid and top loop handle resting on a grey surface.
A novelty small silver 'bell' inkwell
Ref: SA1181871
A polished silver novelty inkwell designed in the shape of a bell with a hinged lid and top loop handle resting on a grey surface.
Detail View 1
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Detail View 3
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Detail View 5
Archival Detail

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Cataloguer’s note

Written by Sellingantiques from the dealer’s photographs and listing
  • ObjectInkwells
  • Period1900 - 1920
  • StyleEdwardian Novelty Silver
  • MaterialSilver, Glass
  • ColourSilver
  • MotifsBell form, Hinged lid, Loop handle, Stepped base
  • SizeH 6 cm (2 in) x W 6 cm (2 in) x D 6 cm (2 in)

This early George V novelty silver bell inkwell, dating from the Edwardian period in 1912, is made of polished silver with a reflective metallic grey colour. The piece takes a bell form, incorporating a hinged lid with an Art Deco style thumb grip, a triangular top loop handle, a stepped circular base with raised mouldings, and a removable glass inkwell liner inside. The silver surface shows reflections of the surrounding room and subtle softening to the hallmarks, while maintaining an undamaged body without dents or splits. Measuring 6 cm high by 6 cm wide and 6 cm deep, this compact desk accessory is designed for practical use on an office desk or within a gentleman's library. It brings a functional and decorative touch to a traditional study workspace, suitable for holding ink alongside everyday stationery items.

FAQs

Popularised during the late 19th and early 20th centuries, novelty silver inkwells were desk accessories fashioned into whimsical shapes, such as bells, animals, or helmets. These items combined functional writing utility with decorative craftsmanship for study desks and writing tables.

These objects were commonly crafted from sterling silver or silver plate, often housing a removable glass liner inside to contain liquid ink. The exterior features hinged covers, weighted bases, and hand-finished or cast decorative details.

Authentic silver pieces feature official assay hallmarks stamped into the metal, indicating the silver purity, makers mark, location, and year of manufacture. Examining the hinge mechanism, wear on the base, and original glass liner inserts also helps verify age.

Place the piece on an executive office desk, atop a stack of leather-bound books on a bookshelf, or styled alongside brass desk instruments in a study. Its metallic finish complements dark wood surfaces and tailored workspace settings.

Dust the surface regularly with a soft microfiber cloth and polish gently using a specialised silver polishing cream to remove tarnish. Ensure any glass liner is kept clean and free from dried ink residue using mild soapy water.
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