Inkwell - Rare with a maritime decor, Napoleon III, in solid bronze.
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Current bid
€ 100
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Selected by Annick van Itallie
Graduated in art history with over 25 years' experience in antiques and applied arts appraisal.
Estimate € 150 - € 200
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 Bidder 9673 | €100 | |
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| Bidder 8602 | €78 | |
| Bidder 8602 | €73 | |
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Rare gilded bronze desk inkwell dating to the Napoleon III period (circa 1870) in France, with two side inkwells, a central trough and an anchor-adorned pen rest, dimensions 23.5 x 18 x 14 cm and 18 cm height, in good worn condition with natural age patina.
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Description from the seller
Rare and fascinating antique desk inkstand in solid gilded bronze, dating from the second half of the 19th century, Napoléon III era (Second Empire), around 1870, richly ornate, distinguished by the unusual presence of an anchor, a strong symbol of the maritime world, of hope and travel.
An object as decorative as it is enigmatic, perfectly at home in a cabinet of curiosities or in a collection of unusual objects.
The set consists of a rectangular bronze tray, finely cast, richly decorated with volutes, foliage and ornaments.
It includes two side inkwells with their original lids.
The intentionally hollow central element is not a third inkwell: it is a draining cup, designed to receive the excess ink from the nib and to protect the writing surface. This functional feature is characteristic of high-quality writing sets from the 19th century.
The central pen holder decorated with a maritime anchor constitutes a strong ornamental element.
The anchor motif, frequently used in the decorative arts of the 19th century, here arises from a symbolic decorative choice linked to the maritime world.
Accessories included: An antique pen holder supplied with an anchor-shaped inkwell and an antique feather.
These items are included as accessories, compatible with their period, with no guarantee of a common origin with the inkwell.
The back assembled with screws attests to traditional workmanship. The quality of the casting and the fineness of the decoration confirm the use of solid bronze. The antique gilding shows a uniform patina with regular, natural wear consistent with its age.
Very good antique condition, normal signs of use, micro-scratches and slight wear to the gilding. No structural element missing.
Beautiful 19th-century desk accessory, both decorative and functional, with genuine collecting appeal, notably due to the drainage cup and the maritime motif with an anchor.
See the photos; they are part of the description.
Encrier: 23.5 x 18 x 14 cm
Candle holder: 11 x 6.5 cm
Rare and fascinating antique desk inkstand in solid gilded bronze, dating from the second half of the 19th century, Napoléon III era (Second Empire), around 1870, richly ornate, distinguished by the unusual presence of an anchor, a strong symbol of the maritime world, of hope and travel.
An object as decorative as it is enigmatic, perfectly at home in a cabinet of curiosities or in a collection of unusual objects.
The set consists of a rectangular bronze tray, finely cast, richly decorated with volutes, foliage and ornaments.
It includes two side inkwells with their original lids.
The intentionally hollow central element is not a third inkwell: it is a draining cup, designed to receive the excess ink from the nib and to protect the writing surface. This functional feature is characteristic of high-quality writing sets from the 19th century.
The central pen holder decorated with a maritime anchor constitutes a strong ornamental element.
The anchor motif, frequently used in the decorative arts of the 19th century, here arises from a symbolic decorative choice linked to the maritime world.
Accessories included: An antique pen holder supplied with an anchor-shaped inkwell and an antique feather.
These items are included as accessories, compatible with their period, with no guarantee of a common origin with the inkwell.
The back assembled with screws attests to traditional workmanship. The quality of the casting and the fineness of the decoration confirm the use of solid bronze. The antique gilding shows a uniform patina with regular, natural wear consistent with its age.
Very good antique condition, normal signs of use, micro-scratches and slight wear to the gilding. No structural element missing.
Beautiful 19th-century desk accessory, both decorative and functional, with genuine collecting appeal, notably due to the drainage cup and the maritime motif with an anchor.
See the photos; they are part of the description.
Encrier: 23.5 x 18 x 14 cm
Candle holder: 11 x 6.5 cm
Details
Era
1400-1900
Material
Rare with a maritime decor, Napoleon III, in solid bronze.
Country of Origin
France
Condition
Good condition - used with small signs of aging & blemishes
Height
18 cm
Width
23.3 cm
Depth
14 cm
Estimated period
1850-1900
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