Robert Belcher Antiques has dated this piece to the 1860s.

The maroon leather exterior is beautifully gold embossed with the words Ink, Berry’s patent, London.
On the front of the case, there is a circular brass button, which is the spring loaded catch to open the lid, which is also spring loaded.

The interior is all original and finished in Japaned green lacquer with the original clear glass ink bottle. This is held in place with a brass ring, also with a spring catch . When released, it gives access to the small bottle, which ingenuously is also spring loaded with an action that pushes the bottle tightly against the fitted leather cushion which is in the lid making the box and ink contents sealed and travel ready.
This is a brilliantly small highly engineered Victorian item for the wealthy and privileged traveller, and is rare to find in this condition
English, circa 1860
Height 3.2cm x width 3.5 x depth 3.5cm
Robert Belcher Antiques has dated this piece to the 1860s.
Robert belcher antiques was established in 1984 and is a high quality retailer of interesting, rare antiques and decorative items.
You can view the stock and full dealer information on the Robert Belcher Antiques Profile Page