18th C. British Lead Inkwell

**Originally Listed At $200**

Europe, United Kingdom/Great Britain, ca. late 18th to early 19th century CE. A delightful inkwell, one of the ubiquitous objects of Enlightenment and Regency period middle- and upper-class life - used by merchants, government agents, and anyone writing a letter to a friend! This example has a shortened hourglass form body, corseted at its center and standing on a flat, solid base. The upper portion has a deep indent forming a lip for catching errant ink from the tip of the pen. A conical hinged lid with a small disc at the top sits in the center of the indent, surrounded by five small, round holes for dipping the pen. The lid can be raised to fill the interior with ink. Items like this one traveled throughout the world of British influence, including India, South Africa, colonial America, and many other places - indeed, pewter inkwells are common finds in British shipwrecks from the period. Size: 3.55" W x 2.35" H (9 cm x 6 cm)

Provenance: private Long Island, New York, USA collection

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#147390
Condition Report: The hinge pin is loose and the hinge has some small losses from its rings. Upper edge is bent inward in some places. Underside is bent upward in two places, with small tears to the lead where it joins the upper body. Cup inside is also slightly bent and moved out of the central position to one side. Much of the form is well preserved and the lid is still functional (though the hinge is fragile as stated above). Rich patina on surface. No maker's marks or other stamped details.