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ID #SA830487
FOR SALE
£1,250
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Inkwell. ( Bust of Napoleon)
For sale by Devonshire Antiques
for sale €1,463     $1,588
£1,250

Devonshire Antiques

Sellingantiques Verified Since Jan 2017
Browse dealers 127 items
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Id #SA830487
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Inkwell. ( Bust of Napoleon)

19th century
Description

A superb 19th century French gilt bronze and dark green marble inkwell/ desk set featuring a central bust of Napoleon, flanked by two inkwells with milled bodies and hinged lids . Pen recess to the front and further egg and dart decorative gilt bands . Excellent condition, few minor nibbles to marble .

31 cm w x 16 cm D x 23 cm H

£950

Contact 07970129030

Physical Dimensions
Width
31cm (12.20")
Depth
16cm (6.30")
Declaration

Devonshire Antiques has dated this Napoleon Bust Marble Inkstand to the 19th Century.

Reference Numbers
Sellingantiques Reference
SA830487
Description
A superb 19th century French gilt bronze and dark green marble inkwell/ desk set featuring a central bust of Napoleon, flanked by two inkwells with milled bodies and hinged lids . Pen recess to the front and further egg and dart decorative gilt bands . Excellent condition, few minor nibbles to marble .

31 cm w x 16 cm D x 23 cm H

£950

Contact 07970129030

Width
31cm (12.20")
Depth
16cm (6.30")
Date of Manufacture

Devonshire Antiques has dated this Napoleon Bust Marble Inkstand to the 19th Century.

Reference Numbers
Sellingantiques Ref
SA830487
Devonshire Antiques
Sellingantiques verified Since Jan 2017
Dealer Profile

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

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A French Empire style green marble inkstand featuring a central gilt bronze bust of Napoleon Bonaparte flanked by two urn-shaped ink pots.
1 / 2
Archive I A French Empire style green marble inkstand featuring a central gilt bronze bust of Napoleon Bonaparte flanked by two urn-shaped ink pots.

Inkwell. ( Bust of Napoleon)

Archive II A French Empire style green marble inkstand featuring a central gilt bronze bust of Napoleon Bonaparte flanked by two urn-shaped ink pots. View II
Enlarged Archival View

Devonshire Antiques
Telephone 07970 119030 or 01822 612475
Location
19 Market St
Tavistock
Devon
United Kingdom

By appointment only.
Dealer Profile Page sellingantiques.co.uk/devonshire
Verified Since Jan 2017
Items For Sale 127
Items Sold 66
Devonshire Antiques
Verified Since Jan 2017
View Dealer Info
Location: 19 Market St, Tavistock, Devon, United Kingdom, , By appointment only.
Profile: sellingantiques.co.uk/devonshire
Verified
Jan 2017
For Sale
127
Sold
66
A French Empire style green marble inkstand featuring a central gilt bronze bust of Napoleon Bonaparte flanked by two urn-shaped ink pots.
Inkwell. ( bust of napoleon)
Ref: SA830487
A French Empire style green marble inkstand featuring a central gilt bronze bust of Napoleon Bonaparte flanked by two urn-shaped ink pots.
Detail View 1
Archival Detail

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Cataloguer’s note

Written by Sellingantiques from the dealer’s photographs and listing
  • ObjectInkstands
  • Period19th century
  • StyleFrench Empire
  • MaterialGilt Bronze, Marble
  • ColourGreen and Gold
  • MotifsBust of Napoleon, Bicorne hat, Egg-and-dart moulding, Fluted ink pots
  • SizeW 31 cm (12 in) x D 16 cm (6 in)

This nineteenth-century French Empire style desk set comprises a dark green marble base with a central gilt bronze bust of Napoleon Bonaparte wearing his iconic bicorne hat. Flanking the central portrait are two urn-shaped ink pots with milled bodies, finial lids, and hinged mountings, all set above a carved front pen recess enriched by egg-and-dart decorative gilt bands. The architectural composition rests upon small round ball feet and includes visible minor chips to the marble edges. Measuring 31 cm wide by 16 cm deep and 23 cm high, the inkstand makes a practical and characterful desk accessory for a study, gentleman's library, or executive office desk today.

FAQs

The French Empire style is characterised by Neoclassical motifs inspired by classical antiquity and military conquests, often incorporating laurel wreaths, eagles, and portrait busts of Napoleon Bonaparte. Items typically feature symmetrical layouts, rich materials like dark marble, and finely chased gilt bronze mounts.

Nineteenth-century inkstands were commonly crafted using a combination of carved marble, serpentine, or porphyry for the base, complemented by gilt bronze (ormolu) or brass fittings. Ink receptacles often contained glass or porcelain liners to hold liquid ink without corroding the metal.

Authentic pieces generally display crisp hand-chasing on the metal components, authentic casting seams, and original threaded fittings. Age-appropriate surface wear, minor oxidisation on gilt bronze highlights, and natural veining or minor surface flakes on the marble base also indicate genuine age.

An antique marble and bronze inkstand makes an ideal focal point when displayed on a dark wood executive desk, a leather-topped writing table, or a library bookshelf. It introduces structural weight, texture, and historical narrative to contemporary office or study settings.

Dust marble and gilt bronze components regularly with a soft, dry microfibre cloth, avoiding harsh liquid chemicals or abrasive cleaners that strip gold leaf or patination. Marble surfaces should be kept dry and sealed occasionally with a neutral stone wax to prevent staining.
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