What is a pounce pot used for?

A pounce pot held fine powder made from resin or cuttlefish bone, which writers sprinkled onto wet ink to dry the page and prepare the paper surface. These small shakers match inkstands on writing desks and feature perforated lids for dusting the powder evenly.

How do I date a silver inkstand?

You date a silver inkstand by examining the hallmarks stamped into the metal, which record the assay office, the maker, and the exact year of production. Additional clues come from the overall style, such as heavy Regency cast feet or delicate Georgian engraving.

What is Old Sheffield plate?

Old Sheffield plate is an early material created by thermally fusing a thin layer of sterling silver onto a thick copper core. Craftsmen used this technique to produce large desk items and trays that offered the appearance of solid silver at a lower cost.

How were tortoiseshell boxes made?

Makers softened natural tortoiseshell in boiling water before pressing and moulding the material over wooden or metal cores. Gold or silver piques and inlays were often embedded into the surface while the shell remained pliable.