Victorian Silver Mounted Inkwell
A victorian silver mounted inkwell brings heavy glass, cut crystal and taxidermy horse hooves together for the nineteenth century desk.
Victorian Silver Mounted Inkwell
A victorian silver mounted inkwell combines a glass or crystal reservoir with sterling silver or silver plated lids, collars and mounts. These desk accessories appear in forms ranging from simple glass wells to elaborate double inkstands and fitted oak trays.
Makers of the period also incorporated natural history materials, resulting in unusual desk tidies formed from horse hooves, horn and coromandel wood. The pieces span the Victorian era, the Edwardian period and the turn of the twentieth century, reflecting the elaborate stationery habits of the period.
Materials and construction
Glass bodies are frequently heavy, cut or amber coloured, providing a stable base for daily use. Mounts are fashioned from sterling silver or silver plate, often bearing hallmarks for London and Sheffield silversmiths.
Organic elements like oak, horn and horse hooves are worked alongside satinwood and coromandel to build sturdy desk stands. Silver hinges and collars secure the glass vessels firmly into their wooden or taxidermy bases.
Several Victorian desk accessories double as taxidermy horse hooves complete with miniature silver horseshoes on the base.
The markers of quality
The weight and thickness of the glass vessel set the baseline for a superior piece, alongside the depth and clarity of the cutting. Silver mounts that fit flush to the glass without excess solder indicate careful bench work.
The choice of base materials creates a clear hierarchy, where plain glass gives way to coloured cranberry or amber glass, and standard wooden trays yield to fitted coromandel boxes or taxidermy mounts.
William Comyns·John Grinsell And Sons·Rupert Favell
The Victorian Silver Mounted Inkwell Glossary
- Hallmark
- An official stamp applied to precious metals indicating the assay office, maker and date. It confirms the silver standard of the inkwell mount.
- Taxidermy
- The preservation and mounting of animal skin or parts. In this category, horse hooves are fitted with silver horseshoes and hinged lids to serve as desk accessories.
- Cut glass
- Glass decorated by grinding facets or patterns into the surface. This technique adds weight and sparkle to the inkwell reservoir.
- Desk stand
- A tray or stand designed to hold one or more inkwells alongside pens and stationery. These often incorporate pen rests and letter boxes.
Victorian Silver Mounted Inkwell: Frequently Asked Questions
How do I clean the glass?
Remove the silver lid carefully if the hinge pin allows, or clean the glass while keeping moisture away from the silver mount.
Warm soapy water and a soft bottle brush will clear old ink residue without damaging the antique glass or metal.
Can I still use these for writing?
Many examples remain entirely functional, with glass reservoirs and working hinged lids suitable for modern ink.
Check the glass for hairline cracks before filling, and ensure the silver collar is securely sealed to the body.
What is a horse hoof inkwell?
These desk accessories use actual taxidermy horse hooves fitted with silver shoes, rims and hinged lids.
Ponies and horses were commemorated in this manner during the nineteenth century, often serving as paperweights or desk tidies.
How do I date an Edwardian piece?
Look for hallmarks on the silver mounts that correspond to the Edwardian decade following the Victorian era.
Style cues such as simpler oak mounts and Edwardian registry marks can also help narrow down the production period.