Silver Double Inkwell Tray
A silver double inkwell tray holds your writing desk together with a twin set of glass wells and a proper place for pens.
Silver Double Inkwell Tray
A silver double inkwell tray brings together twin receptacles for ink and a base to catch any stray drops upon your writing table. These desk pieces serve as practical stationery accessories designed for correspondence before the fountain pen took over.
You will most frequently encounter Victorian and Edwardian examples on this page, alongside earlier Georgian pieces and mid-century items. The forms range from heavy silver plated desk stands to solid sterling silver inkstands and oak trays fitted with glass wells.
How they were made
Silversmiths formed these trays using sterling silver, Sheffield plate, and silver plate over base metals, occasionally mounting them on oak bases. Cut glass and clear glass featured heavily for the removable inkwell inserts that held the liquid.
Makers employed traditional casting, stamping, and plating techniques to shape the metal bases, often adding pen rests and chambersticks to the desk tidies. Artisans worked in styles spanning Rococo Revival, Regency, Victorian Gothic Revival, and Art Nouveau.
Materials found across the desk accessories comprise sterling silver, Sheffield plate, oak, and silvered bronze.
What varies in quality
Quality rests upon the weight of the metal and the crispness of the chased or cast ornament around the tray border. Heavier gauge silver and substantial Sheffield plate distinguish superior desk sets from lighter production pieces.
The integrity of the glass inserts matters greatly, as does the presence of matching original inkwell lids with proper collars. Pieces bearing clear hallmarks from noted makers or retail houses carry superior distinction.
Walker And Hall·Daniel Holy·Maurice Dufrene·Harrods
The Silver Double Inkwell Tray Glossary
- Inkstand
- A complete desk accessory comprising one or more inkwells, pen rests, and a fitted tray base. These portable writing stations sat upon library tables.
- Sheffield plate
- An early form of fused plating where a sheet of silver was fused to a copper core. This technique predates modern electroplating.
- Chamberstick
- A small portable candlestick fitted with a handle and a drip pan. Some large desk stands incorporate these directly into the tray design.
- Desk tidy
- A multipurpose desk accessory designed to hold envelopes, pens, and inkwells in one orderly station. These items kept writing materials contained.
Silver Double Inkwell Tray: Frequently Asked Questions
What is a silver double inkwell tray used for?
These desk accessories held two varieties of ink, typically black and red, for traditional dip pen writing and letter sealing. The integrated tray caught drips and kept the writing surface tidy.
They sat permanently upon library desks and writing tables in studies and offices. Owners used them daily for correspondence and bookkeeping before modern pens arrived.
How do I date a silver inkstand?
Hallmarks stamped onto solid silver pieces provide exact assay office marks and date letters for identification. Stylistic clues like Art Nouveau curves or Georgian proportions help date plated items lacking full stamps.
The presence of Sheffield plate manufacture points towards the nineteenth or late eighteenth century. Heavier Victorian and Edwardian designs display distinct stylistic traits from their respective decades.
Are the glass inserts usually original?
Finding matching original glass inkwells is a significant benefit when collecting these desk stands. Many pieces survived with replacement glass inserts due to the fragile nature of the material.
Examining the fit and age of the glass helps determine if the inserts belong to the original tray. Well-matched glass sits securely within the silver or metal collars.
How do I care for antique silver desk accessories?
Gentle dusting with a soft cloth preserves the metal surface and prevents dust accumulation in crevices. Avoid harsh chemical dips that strip away desirable patination from older silver plate.
Keep glass inserts clean by washing them separately from the metal tray base. Position the inkstand away from direct heat sources to protect any wooden components.