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ID #SA1192698
FOR SALE
£14,650
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Large Heavy Solid Silver Edwardian Tortoise Inkstand London 1903 1132g
For sale by Roger Bradbury Antiques
for sale €17,141     $18,606
£14,650

Roger Bradbury Antiques

Sellingantiques Verified Since Nov 2012
Browse dealers 68 items
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Id #SA1192698
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Large Heavy Solid Silver Edwardian Tortoise Inkstand London 1903 1132g

1900 - 1920
Description

*Worldwide shipping available. If you have any questions or would like an international shipping quotation, please do not hesitate to contact*

A most decorative and detailed example of the finest quality. This exquisite life-sized model of a tortoise was retailed by Neresheimer of Hanau, and imported to England by Berthold Muller.

Neresheimer of Hanau, Germany, founded in 1893 by Ludwig Neresheimer (Later Neresheimer & Sohne & Co) was a premier late 19th Century-early 20th Century silversmith firm, famous for top quality ornate Rococo and Neo Renaissance Revival pieces. They specialised in repousse, silver novelties and figure chased items, primarily exported to Britain via retailer Berthold Muller.

The shell opens to reveal a gilt lined underside, with recessed glass inkwell to the body, and hinged stamp and nib box with gilt lined double compartments at either side.

Dedication engraved to the tortoise’s head reading ‘To Dr W. Muir-Smith from a grateful patient 1st Jan 1921’

Hallmarks to the shell, base of shell and hinged lids for London 1903, with sponsor mark BM for Berthold Muller.

Of superb quality, an inkstand worthy to display amongst the finest of personal collections.

Weight excluding glass inkwell 1132g approx. Overall size: H10cm D13.5cm W29cm approx.

Physical Dimensions
Height
10cm (3.94")
Width
29cm (11.42")
Depth
13.5cm (5.31")
Declaration

Roger Bradbury Antiques has dated this Silver Tortoise Inkstand to the Edwardian era.

Reference Numbers
Sellingantiques Reference
SA1192698
Description
*Worldwide shipping available.
“
If you have any questions or would like an international shipping quotation, please do not hesitate to contact*.
Roger Bradbury Antiques

A most decorative and detailed example of the finest quality. This exquisite life-sized model of a tortoise was retailed by Neresheimer of Hanau, and imported to England by Berthold Muller.

fig 1. An Edwardian solid silver inkstand detailed in the naturalistic form of a walking tortoise.
fig 1. Large Heavy Solid Silver Edwardian Tortoise Inkstand London 1903 1132g

Neresheimer of Hanau, Germany, founded in 1893 by Ludwig Neresheimer (Later Neresheimer & Sohne & Co) was a premier late 19th Century-early 20th Century silversmith firm, famous for top quality ornate Rococo and Neo Renaissance Revival pieces. They specialised in repousse, silver novelties and figure chased items, primarily exported to Britain via retailer Berthold Muller.

fig 2. An Edwardian solid silver inkstand detailed in the naturalistic form of a walking tortoise.
fig 2. Large Heavy Solid Silver Edwardian Tortoise Inkstand London 1903 1132g

The shell opens to reveal a gilt lined underside, with recessed glass inkwell to the body, and hinged stamp and nib box with gilt lined double compartments at either side.

Dedication engraved to the tortoise’s head reading ‘To Dr W. Muir-Smith from a grateful patient 1st Jan 1921’

fig 3. An Edwardian solid silver inkstand detailed in the naturalistic form of a walking tortoise.
fig 3. Large Heavy Solid Silver Edwardian Tortoise Inkstand London 1903 1132g

Hallmarks to the shell, base of shell and hinged lids for London 1903, with sponsor mark BM for Berthold Muller.

Of superb quality, an inkstand worthy to display amongst the finest of personal collections.

Weight excluding glass inkwell 1132g approx. Overall size: H10cm D13.5cm W29cm approx.

Height
10cm (3.94")
Width
29cm (11.42")
Depth
13.5cm (5.31")
Date of Manufacture

Roger Bradbury Antiques has dated this Silver Tortoise Inkstand to the Edwardian era.

Reference Numbers
Sellingantiques Ref
SA1192698
Roger Bradbury Antiques
Sellingantiques verified Since Nov 2012

Paintings, furniture, chinese shipwreck porcelain, silver and curios

Dealer Profile

You can view the stock and full dealer information on the Roger Bradbury Antiques Profile Page

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An Edwardian solid silver inkstand detailed in the naturalistic form of a walking tortoise.
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Archive I An Edwardian solid silver inkstand detailed in the naturalistic form of a walking tortoise.

Large Heavy Solid Silver Edwardian Tortoise Inkstand London 1903 1132g

Archive II An Edwardian solid silver inkstand detailed in the naturalistic form of a walking tortoise. View II
Archive III An Edwardian solid silver inkstand detailed in the naturalistic form of a walking tortoise. View III
Archive IV An Edwardian solid silver inkstand detailed in the naturalistic form of a walking tortoise. View IV
Archive V An Edwardian solid silver inkstand detailed in the naturalistic form of a walking tortoise. View V
Archive VI An Edwardian solid silver inkstand detailed in the naturalistic form of a walking tortoise. View VI
Archive VII An Edwardian solid silver inkstand detailed in the naturalistic form of a walking tortoise. View VII
Archive VIII An Edwardian solid silver inkstand detailed in the naturalistic form of a walking tortoise. View VIII
Archive IX An Edwardian solid silver inkstand detailed in the naturalistic form of a walking tortoise. View IX
Archive X An Edwardian solid silver inkstand detailed in the naturalistic form of a walking tortoise. View X
Archive XI An Edwardian solid silver inkstand detailed in the naturalistic form of a walking tortoise. View XI
Archive XII An Edwardian solid silver inkstand detailed in the naturalistic form of a walking tortoise. View XII
Archive XIII An Edwardian solid silver inkstand detailed in the naturalistic form of a walking tortoise. View XIII
Archive XIV An Edwardian solid silver inkstand detailed in the naturalistic form of a walking tortoise. View XIV
Archive XV An Edwardian solid silver inkstand detailed in the naturalistic form of a walking tortoise. View XV
Archive XVI An Edwardian solid silver inkstand detailed in the naturalistic form of a walking tortoise. View XVI
Archive XVII An Edwardian solid silver inkstand detailed in the naturalistic form of a walking tortoise. View XVII
Archive XVIII An Edwardian solid silver inkstand detailed in the naturalistic form of a walking tortoise. View XVIII
Archive XIX An Edwardian solid silver inkstand detailed in the naturalistic form of a walking tortoise. View XIX
Archive XX An Edwardian solid silver inkstand detailed in the naturalistic form of a walking tortoise. View XX
Archive XXI An Edwardian solid silver inkstand detailed in the naturalistic form of a walking tortoise. View XXI
Enlarged Archival View
Telephone 01692 538 293
Location
Norfolk
United Kingdom
Verified Since Nov 2012
Items For Sale 68
Items Sold 14
Roger Bradbury Antiques
Verified Since Nov 2012
View Dealer Info
Location: Norfolk, United Kingdom
Verified
Nov 2012
For Sale
68
Sold
14
An Edwardian solid silver inkstand detailed in the naturalistic form of a walking tortoise.
Large Heavy Solid Silver Edwardian Tortoise Inkstand London 1903 1132g
Ref: SA1192698
An Edwardian solid silver inkstand detailed in the naturalistic form of a walking tortoise.
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Written by Sellingantiques from the dealer’s photographs and listing
  • ObjectInkstands
  • Period1900 - 1920
  • StyleEdwardian
  • MaterialSterling Silver
  • ColourSilver
  • MotifsNaturalistic tortoise shell casing, Hinged shell lid, Cast textured legs, Detailed head
  • SizeH 10 cm (4 in) x W 29 cm (11 in) x D 13.5 cm (5 in)

This Edwardian inkstand takes the naturalistic form of a walking tortoise, created in solid sterling silver with a bright silver finish. The detailed piece includes cast textured legs, a naturalistic tortoise shell casing with a hinged shell lid, and a detailed head. Three details visible in the photograph that go beyond standard descriptions include the reflective polished surface of the metal, the articulated overlapping scutes of the carapace, and the lifelike wrinkled texture modelled on the head and limbs. Measuring 10 cm high, 29 cm wide and 13.5 cm deep, this substantial item sits comfortably on an office desk or library table. Suitable for use in a gentleman's library or study, the inkstand serves as both a functional writing accessory and a decorative tabletop sculpture. The hinged components allow access to internal compartments, while the substantial weight of 1132g ensures stability during everyday writing tasks. It integrates well into traditional or scholarly interior settings, serving as a focal point among other desktop collectables and writing instruments.

Novelty silver inkstands gained popularity during the late Victorian and Edwardian periods, departing from conventional rectangular desktop trays. Silversmiths crafted functional writing accessories shaped as realistic animals, vehicles, and everyday objects using cast sterling silver.

These items were crafted from solid sterling silver, utilizing heavy casting techniques to achieve detailed anatomical features and structural weight. Internal ink reservoirs were typically fitted with glass liners or silver compartments to contain the ink.

Authentic British pieces bear official assay office hallmarks, including the lion passant mark for sterling purity, a makers mark, a town mark, and a specific date letter. London assay marks from 1903 display the leopards head mark alongside the designated date letter.

An antique silver inkstand can be positioned on an office desk, library table, or sideboard as a decorative focal point. Positioning the silver object on dark timber or leather surfaces creates contrast and highlights the metal finish.

Sterling silver requires periodic gentle wiping with a soft cotton cloth and specialized silver polish to manage natural oxidisation. Avoid harsh abrasive cleaners or prolonged exposure to moisture that could strip the surface patina or damage jointed mechanisms.
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