Silver Double Inkwell
A silver double inkwell brings order to the writing desk, pairing dual reservoirs for ink with a stable base for pens.
Silver Double Inkwell
A silver double inkwell provides two separate containers for ink, mounted together on a shared stand or tray that often includes pen rests and stamp boxes. These desk accessories appear across the Victorian, Edwardian, and Georgian periods, alongside later twentieth-century examples.
The version most commonly met on this page is the silver plated desk stand fitted with cut glass or crystal inkwells, frequently featuring hinged lids and collar mounts. Solid sterling silver models also appear, originating from Birmingham, Sheffield, and London workshops.
Beyond standard double inkwells, the selection encompasses elaborate inkstands, desk tidies, and standishes that integrate chambersticks or additional compartment spaces. Materials range from traditional metals to unexpected organic elements like horn and oak.
What varies in quality
Substantial weight in the metal base and thickness of the silver plate distinguish finer desk stands from lighter alternatives. Quality shows in the precise fit of the inkwell collars and the clarity of the cut glass reservoirs.
The presence of crisp hallmarks, maker marks, and integrated accessories such as pen rests or chambersticks elevates a piece. Superior examples retain original components and show balanced proportions across the standish.
Silver Double Inkwell Retail Price Guide 2026
Typical asking prices for silver double inkwell among the pieces listed under this phrase on Sellingantiques today, from the lower quarter to the upper quarter. They describe what is for sale here now, not the wider market.
Some Victorian desks required deer hoof mounts to hold your ink.
Walker And Hall·Daniel Holy·Maurice Dufrene·Martin Hall·Asprey And Co·William Hutton
The Silver Double Inkwell Glossary
- Standish
- A structured tray or stand designed to hold inkwells, pens, and desk accessories. These pieces formed the central writing equipment on a nineteenth-century desk.
- Sheffield plate
- A fused composite material made by melting a sheet of sterling silver to a copper base. This technique predates modern electroplating.
- Hallmark
- An official stamp applied to precious metals indicating purity, origin maker, and date. Sterling silver pieces carry these marks on the base and mounts.
- Desk tidy
- A multi-compartment desk accessory that combines inkwells with spaces for stamps, sealing wax, and pens. They keep writing equipment organised in one place.
Silver Double Inkwell: Frequently Asked Questions
How do I clean a silver double inkwell?
Use a soft cloth and a specialised silver polish designed to remove tarnish without damaging engraved details or plate layers. Avoid immersing glass inserts in harsh chemical dips.
Take care around hinges and collar mounts where dried ink or polish residue might accumulate over time.
What periods do these desk stands cover?
The pieces span from the Georgian era through the Victorian and Edwardian periods, extending into mid-twentieth-century Elizabeth II examples.
Design styles shift from early Sheffield plate stands to ornate Rococo Revival and clean Edwardian silver desk sets.
Can I still use these inkwells for writing?
Glass reservoirs hold liquid ink securely, though many owners prefer to display these pieces as historical desk ornaments.
Check the glass liners for chips or cracks before filling them to prevent leaks onto the silver stand.
How do I identify solid silver from silver plate?
Solid sterling silver items bear official hallmarks including a lion passant or standard purity numbers indicating silver content.
Silver plated and Sheffield plate pieces display base metal showing through worn areas or carry maker marks specific to plating firms.