Glass Inkwell Silver Mount
Glass inkwell silver mount pieces combine heavy cut crystal with sterling collars and lids to sit neatly on any desk.
Glass Inkwell Silver Mount
A glass inkwell silver mount brings together sturdy desk glass and polished metal fittings, mostly originating in the Victorian and Edwardian eras. Buyers searching for a glass inkwell silver mount typically encounter sturdy cut glass vessels finished with hinged sterling or plated lids.
These desk accessories range from simple individual wells to larger inkstands incorporating pen trays and companion pieces. The selection spans standard nineteenth century shapes alongside decorative novelties like horn cornucopias and amber glass specimens.
Materials and construction
Makers shaped heavy clear or amber glass using cutting and moulding techniques to catch the light on a writing table. Artisans then fitted these vessels with sterling silver, silver plate, or vermeil mounts, securing them with hinged collars.
Cabinet makers also combined glass and metal elements with woods such as oak, coromandel, and satinwood for more elaborate desk stands. Silversmiths stamped these mounts with hallmarks to record the assay office, date, and maker.
Desk accessories occasionally took whimsical forms, including an inkwell fashioned from a horn of plenty cornucopia.
Judging the quality
Quality rests in the crispness of the glass cutting and the weight of the metal mounts. Thick, clear crystal paired with heavy gauge silver creates a substantial piece that outlasts lighter alternatives.
The integration between the glass body and the metal collar defines the standard of craftsmanship. Secure fittings and crisp hallmarks indicate better workshop origin than generic replacements.
Tiffany & Co·Rupert Favell·Asprey·J Grinsell·Henry Matthews·William Comyns·John Grinsell & Sons
The Glass Inkwell Silver Mount Glossary
- Cut glass
- Glass decorated by grinding facets or patterns into the surface using a wheel. This technique adds considerable weight and sparkle to desk items.
- Vermeil
- Sterling silver plated with a thin layer of gold. It provides a rich warm tone alongside the clear glass body.
- Inkstand
- A complete desk tray holding one or more inkwells alongside space for pens and wafers. These larger pieces often incorporate matching wooden bases.
- Hallmark
- A series of stamped marks on silver indicating purity, maker, and year of assay. They help date the metal mount accurately.
Glass Inkwell Silver Mount: Frequently Asked Questions
How do I clean my inkwell?
Wash the glass body gently in warm soapy water using a soft brush to remove dried ink residue. Keep moisture away from any wooden bases or paper labels to prevent damage.
Polish the silver mount with a dry cloth, avoiding abrasive creams that might scratch the surrounding glass surfaces.
Can I still use it for writing?
These antique desk pieces function well for modern fountain pen use provided the glass liner remains free of cracks. Ensure the metal hinge operates smoothly before filling.
Rinse the vessel thoroughly after use to prevent modern inks from staining the aged crystal interior.
How do I date the silver?
Locate the small stamped hallmarks usually found around the rim of the metal collar or lid. These symbols reveal the assay office and the exact year of manufacture.
Compare the maker mark against registered silversmith records to confirm the active working period of the workshop.