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ID #SA893019
FOR SALE
£595
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Antique English Figural / Novelty Ostrich Inkwell C.1880
For sale by Puckerings
for sale €696     $756
£595
Puckerings

Puckerings

Sellingantiques Verified Since Jul 2009
Browse dealers 397 items
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    A quality online collection of fine english antique smalls with free worldwide shipping from london, england
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Id #SA893019
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Antique English Figural / Novelty Ostrich Inkwell C.1880

19th century
For Sale by Puckerings
Description

A handsome and substantial novelty inkwell in the form of a running Ostrich standing on an oval shaped base with a naturalistic base incorporating two "rocks" acting as a pen rest. I am including the traditional (modern) dip pen to finish off the look of the inkwell.

A hefty piece, cast in solid brass with the inkwell opening at the top revealing the original frosted glass and brass ink chamber. The Ostrich retains two original glass eyes, a true sign of quality.

Dating to the late Victorian era, dating to c.1880 / 1890.

Excellent condition measuring 7" x 5 3/4" x 5" tall.

Item: 40545

FREE Worldwide Registered Airmail Directly From the UK

Physical Dimensions
Height
12.7cm (5.00")
Width
17.8cm (7.01")
Depth
14.6cm (5.75")
Declaration

Puckerings has dated this Antique Brass Ostrich Inkwell to the Victorian era.

Reference Numbers
Sellingantiques Reference
SA893019
Dealers Internal Reference
40545
Dealers Notes

FREE Worldwide Shipping Directly From London, England

Description
A handsome and substantial novelty inkwell in the form of a running Ostrich standing on an oval shaped base with a naturalistic base incorporating two "rocks" acting as a pen rest. I am including the traditional (modern) dip pen to finish off the look of the inkwell.
“
A hefty piece, cast in solid brass with the inkwell opening at the top revealing the original frosted glass and brass ink chamber.
Puckerings

The Ostrich retains two original glass eyes, a true sign of quality.

Dating to the late Victorian era, dating to c.1880 / 1890.

Excellent condition measuring 7" x 5 3/4" x 5" tall.

Item: 40545

FREE Worldwide Registered Airmail Directly From the UK

Height
12.7cm (5.00")
Width
17.8cm (7.01")
Depth
14.6cm (5.75")
Date of Manufacture

Puckerings has dated this Antique Brass Ostrich Inkwell to the Victorian era.

Reference Numbers
Sellingantiques Ref
SA893019
Dealers Internal Ref
40545
Puckerings
Puckerings
Sellingantiques verified Since Jul 2009

A quality online collection of fine english antique smalls with free worldwide shipping from london, england

Dealer Profile

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

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A cast brass antique inkwell shaped like a running ostrich mounted on a moulded oval base with an integrated pen rest.
1 / 10
Archive I A cast brass antique inkwell shaped like a running ostrich mounted on a moulded oval base with an integrated pen rest.

Antique English Figural / Novelty Ostrich Inkwell C.1880

Archive II A cast brass antique inkwell shaped like a running ostrich mounted on a moulded oval base with an integrated pen rest. View II
Archive III A cast brass antique inkwell shaped like a running ostrich mounted on a moulded oval base with an integrated pen rest. View III
Archive IV A cast brass antique inkwell shaped like a running ostrich mounted on a moulded oval base with an integrated pen rest. View IV
Archive V A cast brass antique inkwell shaped like a running ostrich mounted on a moulded oval base with an integrated pen rest. View V
Archive VI A cast brass antique inkwell shaped like a running ostrich mounted on a moulded oval base with an integrated pen rest. View VI
Archive VII A cast brass antique inkwell shaped like a running ostrich mounted on a moulded oval base with an integrated pen rest. View VII
Archive VIII A cast brass antique inkwell shaped like a running ostrich mounted on a moulded oval base with an integrated pen rest. View VIII
Archive IX A cast brass antique inkwell shaped like a running ostrich mounted on a moulded oval base with an integrated pen rest. View IX
Archive X A cast brass antique inkwell shaped like a running ostrich mounted on a moulded oval base with an integrated pen rest. View X
Enlarged Archival View
Puckerings

Puckerings
Telephone 07853 189 922
Location
London
United Kingdom
Dealer Profile Page sellingantiques.co.uk/puckerings
Verified Since Jul 2009
Items For Sale 397
Items Sold 7,615
Puckerings
Puckerings
Verified Since Jul 2009
View Dealer Info
Location: London, United Kingdom
Profile: sellingantiques.co.uk/puckerings
Verified
Jul 2009
For Sale
397
Sold
7,615
A cast brass antique inkwell shaped like a running ostrich mounted on a moulded oval base with an integrated pen rest.
Antique English Figural / Novelty Ostrich Inkwell c.1880
Ref: SA893019
A cast brass antique inkwell shaped like a running ostrich mounted on a moulded oval base with an integrated pen rest.
Detail View 1
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Archival Detail

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Cataloguer’s note

Written by Sellingantiques from the dealer’s photographs and listing
  • ObjectInkwells
  • Period19th century
  • StyleVictorian
  • MaterialBrass
  • ColourAntique Brass
  • MotifsFigural ostrich motif, Moulded oval base, Hinged lid, Integrated pen rest
  • SizeH 12.7 cm (5 in) x W 17.8 cm (7 in) x D 14.6 cm (6 in)

This late Victorian novelty inkwell takes the form of a cast brass running ostrich mounted upon a moulded oval base. The piece incorporates a naturalistic base design with two small rock supports serving as an integrated pen rest, accompanied by a black dip pen. The sculpture features a hinged lid situated at the top of the body, two original glass eyes set into the head, and a solid antique brass finish showing natural patination. The composition rests upon a stepped oval plinth with decorative relief detailing across the ground. It measures 12.7 cm high, 17.8 cm wide, and 14.6 cm deep. Suitable for placement on an office desk or library table within a traditional home interior, the inkwell functions as a decorative writing accessory. The hinged compartment opens to reveal an internal chamber while the sturdy base secures the pen across the front supports. The solid brass construction provides a heavy and substantial feel for daily use on a writing surface.

FAQs

Popular during the mid-to-late nineteenth century, novelty inkwells are desktop writing accessories designed in whimsical shapes, including animals, human figures, and everyday objects, combining functionality with decorative art.

Victorian figural inkwells were predominantly manufactured using cast brass, bronze, cast iron, or spelter, frequently housing ceramic or glass liners inside the body to contain liquid ink.

Authentic pieces generally display signs of hand-chasing, heavy cast metal construction, natural age-related oxidisation in crevices, and functional features such as hinged lids or integrated pen rests.

An antique brass inkwell can be displayed as a decorative sculptural object on a writing desk, placed atop a stack of books on a bookshelf, or arranged on a console table alongside historical brassware.

Care involves light dusting with a soft, dry cloth. Abrasive chemical polishes should be avoided to preserve the aged patina and original surface finish of the metal.
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