Wonderful Antique English Bronze Figural Inkwell - Cockatoo C.1850

A fabulous mid - Victorian gilded bronze inkwell in the form of a wonderful and charming Cockatoo, beautifully cast with a good patina and two vibrant peacock blue glass eyes.

He sits on a series of branches which are formed to create a pen rest (pen not included in the sale); the hinged lid opens to reveal a glass removable ink chamber.

What makes this even more special is the cast makers plaque and for a very famous foundry, Messenger & Sons of Birmingham and is dated "Published November 1850". Given the date of manufacture, I do wonder if this was produced for the Great Exhibition of 1851.

Superb condition, measuring 4" x 4" x 6 1/2" tall.

The firm of Messenger & Sons were founded by Thomas Messenger in the early 1810's originally as a maker of fine furniture mounts. However by the 1830's Messenger went into business with his Sons to produce fine and highly crafted chandeliers, lamps and candelabra in brass and ormolu. Based in Birmingham, the company had premises on 15-16 Broad Street, in the heart of the Birmingham bronze and plate industry. The firm quickly grew gaining a reputation for producing outstanding original and highly decorative designs manufactured to the highest standards. This was evidenced by the firm's expansion in 1860 to include new premises in No. 19-20 on Broad Street and 73 Hatton Garden, London. However the company operated on an exclusive level largely relying on recommendation for the promotion of the business. Their numerous clients included the 4th Duke of Newcastle who commissioned three pairs of antique style lamps in 1838 (One of which sold at Christie's London, 29 November 1984, lot 91), following a visit the Messenger & Sons factory in Birmingham. The firm gained further recognition when they exhibited a number of chandeliers in the Great Exhibition of 1851, and again in the international exhibition of 1862. The businesses continued to flourish well into the following century when they finally ceased trading during the 1930s.

Item ID:39116

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