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ID #SA925462
FOR SALE
£1,100
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Stunning Antique Bronze Novelty Inkwell / Desk Tidy Depicting a Monkey with Glass Eyes
N Wilson Antiques Clocks
for sale €1,287     $1,397
£1,100

N Wilson Antiques Clocks

Sellingantiques Verified Since Jul 2021
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Stunning Antique Bronze Novelty Inkwell / Desk Tidy Depicting a Monkey with Glass Eyes

19th century
Description

This absolutely superb example of an antique bronze inkwell / desk tidy depicts a monkey cast in stunning detail. It shows a monkey in a sitting position with its tail wrapped around a log to the right of the piece which I believe to be a pen wipe. The monkeys head then lifts up to reveal the inkwell which has its original opaque glass liner. The log then branches out in front of the monkey with the branches being used to hold pens / quills. The monkey is then holding what I believe to be a candle holder in its right hand which may have been used to melt wax used for sealing early letters.

The piece is absolutely stunning and one of the best and largest examples of an early antique bronze desk tidy that I have ever seen!

A truly one off and unusual piece that would look fantastic in any home or as part of a larger collection!

It measures approximately:

- 7” / 18cm Tall.

- 6” / 15.25cm Wide.

- 5” / 12.75cm Deep.

Declaration

N Wilson Antiques Clocks has dated this Antique Bronze Monkey Inkwell to the 19th Century.

Reference Numbers
Sellingantiques Reference
SA925462
Description
This absolutely superb example of an antique bronze inkwell / desk tidy depicts a monkey cast in stunning detail.
“
It shows a monkey in a sitting position with its tail wrapped around a log to the right of the piece which I believe to be a pen wipe.
N Wilson Antiques Clocks

The monkeys head then lifts up to reveal the inkwell which has its original opaque glass liner. The log then branches out in front of the monkey with the branches being used to hold pens / quills. The monkey is then holding what I believe to be a candle holder in its right hand which may have been used to melt wax used for sealing early letters.

fig 1. A dark patinated bronze inkwell sculpted in the form of a seated monkey perched on a tree branch with inset glass eyes.
fig 1. Stunning Antique Bronze Novelty Inkwell / Desk Tidy Depicting a Monkey with Glass Eyes

The piece is absolutely stunning and one of the best and largest examples of an early antique bronze desk tidy that I have ever seen!

A truly one off and unusual piece that would look fantastic in any home or as part of a larger collection!

It measures approximately:

7” / 18cm Tall.

6” / 15.25cm Wide.

5” / 12.75cm Deep.

Date of Manufacture

N Wilson Antiques Clocks has dated this Antique Bronze Monkey Inkwell to the 19th Century.

Reference Numbers
Sellingantiques Ref
SA925462
N Wilson Antiques Clocks
Sellingantiques verified Since Jul 2021
Dealer Profile

You can view the stock and full dealer information on the N Wilson Antiques Clocks Profile Page

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A dark patinated bronze inkwell sculpted in the form of a seated monkey perched on a tree branch with inset glass eyes.
1 / 13
Archive I A dark patinated bronze inkwell sculpted in the form of a seated monkey perched on a tree branch with inset glass eyes.

Stunning Antique Bronze Novelty Inkwell / Desk Tidy Depicting a Monkey with Glass Eyes

Archive II A dark patinated bronze inkwell sculpted in the form of a seated monkey perched on a tree branch with inset glass eyes. View II
Archive III A dark patinated bronze inkwell sculpted in the form of a seated monkey perched on a tree branch with inset glass eyes. View III
Archive IV A dark patinated bronze inkwell sculpted in the form of a seated monkey perched on a tree branch with inset glass eyes. View IV
Archive V A dark patinated bronze inkwell sculpted in the form of a seated monkey perched on a tree branch with inset glass eyes. View V
Archive VI A dark patinated bronze inkwell sculpted in the form of a seated monkey perched on a tree branch with inset glass eyes. View VI
Archive VII A dark patinated bronze inkwell sculpted in the form of a seated monkey perched on a tree branch with inset glass eyes. View VII
Archive VIII A dark patinated bronze inkwell sculpted in the form of a seated monkey perched on a tree branch with inset glass eyes. View VIII
Archive IX A dark patinated bronze inkwell sculpted in the form of a seated monkey perched on a tree branch with inset glass eyes. View IX
Archive X A dark patinated bronze inkwell sculpted in the form of a seated monkey perched on a tree branch with inset glass eyes. View X
Archive XI A dark patinated bronze inkwell sculpted in the form of a seated monkey perched on a tree branch with inset glass eyes. View XI
Archive XII A dark patinated bronze inkwell sculpted in the form of a seated monkey perched on a tree branch with inset glass eyes. View XII
Archive XIII A dark patinated bronze inkwell sculpted in the form of a seated monkey perched on a tree branch with inset glass eyes. View XIII
Enlarged Archival View

N Wilson Antiques Clocks
Telephone 07704 152890
Location
Cheshire
United Kingdom
Dealer Profile Page sellingantiques.co.uk/nwilsonantiques
Verified Since Jul 2021
Items For Sale 153
Items Sold 151
N Wilson Antiques Clocks
Verified Since Jul 2021
View Dealer Info
Location: Cheshire, United Kingdom
Profile: sellingantiques.co.uk/nwilsonantiques
Verified
Jul 2021
For Sale
153
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A dark patinated bronze inkwell sculpted in the form of a seated monkey perched on a tree branch with inset glass eyes.
Stunning Antique Bronze Novelty Inkwell / Desk Tidy Depicting A Monkey With Glass Eyes
Ref: SA925462
A dark patinated bronze inkwell sculpted in the form of a seated monkey perched on a tree branch with inset glass eyes.
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FAQs

A novelty bronze inkwell is a Victorian-era desk accessory cast in whimsical or naturalistic forms, such as animals or figurative subjects, designed to hold ink pots and writing utensils.

These pieces were typically cast in heavy bronze or brass with dark hand-applied patinas, often incorporating blown glass inserts for eyes or porcelain liners for ink reservoirs.

Authentic period examples exhibit crisp hand-chased surface details, realistic anatomical modelling, natural patination from handling, and glass eyes inset from behind the casting.

Position the piece on an executive office desk, mantelpiece, or styled bookshelf alongside leather-bound books and brass desk accoutrements to create a tactile focal point.

Dust regularly with a soft dry cloth and apply a microcrystalline wax sparingly to preserve the dark patina, taking care to avoid harsh chemical cleaners on the glass eyes.
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