Antique Victorian Silver Double Inkstand with Taperstick & Stamp Box

A lovely quality Victorian sterling silver double inkstand raised on ornate cast feet with curved walls with finely pierced decoration of scrolling vines reserving a shield shaped cartouche on either long side and shaped reserves in each corner decorated with embossed flowers and leaves with further textured detail. The shaped edge also decorated with embossed decoration of scrolls and flowers. The main plate is finely machine engraved with flowering vines against a hatched background. Set into the stand are the original cut glass inkwells, of curved hexagonal shape with silver collars and hinged covers. In between is a sunken circular box surmounted by a fitted taperstick with separate sconce and matching snuffer. The inkwells, taperstick and snuffer all have matching engraved decoration.

All pieces have matching hallmarks; the hinged inkwell covers, sconce and snuffer with partial marks and the inkwells spitting the marks across them. Hallmarked for Birmingham 1861, makers Aston & Son (Thomas Aston & William Aston).

The two shield cartouches on the main stand are engraved with an interlinked monogram and the family crest of a standing falcon with raised wings. These two images are reflected also on the base of the taperstick.

It measures 20.5cm (8 1/8") wide, 15.2cm (6") deep and 12.7cm (5") high to the top of the taperstick (the snuffer sitting slightly higher). The silver weight is a substantial 395g / 12.7ozt. Total weight is 602g.

Condition is excellent with no damage, dents or repairs. The glass is also excellent with no chips or cracks. The hinges are good and all three pieces sit firmly into the stand. Minimal handling wear; a tiny bit of wear to the marks here and there but all decoration is clear and crisp.

Payment is accepted by bank transfer, card payments (via an online invoice, I'm afraid we cannot take payments over the telephone), Paypal and UK personal cheque. If you prefer to pay card payments by Stripe rather than Paypal, please go to our website where we offer that option and additionally options to "Pay in 30 days" and to pay in 3 instalments, all securely supported by Klarna.

Price includes UK postage. We ship worldwide for a small cost, please ask for details. For US customers, current tariff charges of 10% must be paid in advance of posting. Please contact us to go through the details.

We wish to ensure all our customers are happy with their purchases and offer a full no quibble return policy for all items returned within 14 days. We ask that returns are notified within 7 days where possible. Return postage is the buyer's responsibility in terms of cost and safeguarding the item in transit.

In the unlikely event any damage has occurred during shipping please advise as soon as possible and within 2 days of receipt at the latest. If you cannot inspect the item within those 2 days please just let us know.

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