Sterling Silver Ink Stand London 1895

This very attractive sterling silver ink stand was made by John Grinsell & Sons of London in 1895. The hallmarks on the front of the base are slightly worn, but the marks on the other components are very crisp as can be seen in the photos below. All pieces in this inkstand are marked-the candlestick and its sconce as well as the pierced enclosures containing the ink wells and their lids. It features two large inkwells fully enclosed by lidded, pierced work with the shallow depression under the candlestick being storage for wax seals, the candle heating the metal seal before applying it to the wax. It stands on four cast and applied feet, with a pierced gallery border with gadrooned edges and a serpentine gadrooned edge to the front. It measures 310 mm wide (including the feet), the base is 75 mm high, and it is 198 mm deep (including the feet). It is in very good condition, however four of the wingnuts are sterling silver replacements.

Maker : John Grinsell & Sons
Materials : Silver
Origin : London Assay Office
Manufacture Date : 1895