What is a travelling lockdown inkwell?

A travelling inkwell is a compact, portable vessel fitted with a secure locking lid or frame mechanism to prevent ink leakage during transit.

What materials were traditionally used to manufacture antique inkwells?

Antique inkwells were commonly constructed from heavy cut glass or crystal reservoirs fitted with sterling silver, nickel silver, or brass mounts.

How can you identify authentic antique silver and glass inkwells?

Authentic pieces feature official hallmark stamps on the silver components, precise hand-cut glass facets, and well-fitted mechanical closure hardware.

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

Display the piece on a home office desk, a gentlemans library bookcase, or a hall console table alongside leather-bound books and vintage stationery.

How should cut glass and silver inkwells be cleaned and maintained?

Wipe the cut glass with warm water and a soft cloth, while polishing the silver elements gently with a specialised silver cloth to preserve the patina.

for sale €410 $445

£350

Digby Antiques (Wiltshire)

Sellingantiques Verified Since Dec 2020

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Silver Cut Glass Inkwell

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Rare and Unusual Silver and Glass Travelling Lockdown Inkwell

Name: Rare and Unusual Silver and Glass Travelling Lockdown Inkwell
Brand: Antique
SKU: SA1228845
Price: 350 GBP
Availability: InStock

19th century

For Sale by Digby Antiques (Wiltshire)

Description

This is a very unusual silver and glass travelling lockdown inkwell. London 1830 by Archibald Douglas a well known maker of these lockdown inkwells. At first sight it looks as though a silver inkwell has simply been “stuck” on the side of a glass inkwell, however it is an integral part of the overall item. The glass liner to the silver inkwell is damaged, but the glass inkwell is in good order, crisp hobnail cutting a few nibbles. The top of the glass inkwell looks as if it is stopper which should be removeable but it is not. We did think it might be a special commission and as the glass receptacle is quite large it might even have been for a water colourist to use in the field?

W 7.5 cm

H 7.5 cm

D 5.5 cm

Declaration

Digby Antiques (Wiltshire) has dated this Silver Glass Travelling Inkwell to the 19th Century.

Reference Numbers

Sellingantiques Reference

SA1228845

Dealers Notes

Free postage via Royal Mail Special Delivery to UK mainland addresses.

On items of furniture or larger pictures there will be a delivery charge, please contact for quote.

If you are located outside the UK mainland please contact for delivery charge

I understand that there is no longer a 10% duty payable on antique items sent to the USA. However, please obtain a delivery quote from us prior to purchasing an item. Always happy to reserve an item prior to confirming delivery charge.

No quibble 14 day return policy, buyer to pay return postage.

We aim to despatch within 24 hrs of payment

Payment can be made by card via Selling Antiques, BACS and cheque.

If payment by cheque we will clear the cheque first before despatching the item.

Description

This is a very unusual silver and glass travelling lockdown inkwell. London 1830 by Archibald Douglas a well known maker of these lockdown inkwells.

“

At first sight it looks as though a silver inkwell has simply been “stuck” on the side of a glass inkwell, however it is an integral part of the overall item.

Digby Antiques (Wiltshire)

The glass liner to the silver inkwell is damaged, but the glass inkwell is in good order, crisp hobnail cutting a few nibbles. The top of the glass inkwell looks as if it is stopper which should be removeable but it is not. We did think it might be a special commission and as the glass receptacle is quite large it might even have been for a water colourist to use in the field?

W 7.5 cm

H 7.5 cm

D 5.5 cm

Date of Manufacture

Digby Antiques (Wiltshire) has dated this Silver Glass Travelling Inkwell to the 19th Century.

Reference Numbers

Sellingantiques Ref

SA1228845

About the Dealer

Digby Antiques (Wiltshire)

Sellingantiques verified Since Dec 2020

Dealer Profile